Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

A brief history of my preferred cooking methods:
2003: Couldn't cook anything- had to read the package directions on how to boil spaghetti on our first date.
2003-2005: Experimental- anything goes
2005-2008: Baking
2008-Present: Stove top cooking
Today: Baking 

While on Pinterest the other day, I saw a recipe that reminded me how much I loved to bake. Most of the time, you just have to add everything to the baking dish and your done. This was an extremely simple recipe but the results were phenomenal. As per tastykitchen.com, if you use canned chicken and ready rice, it will make things even easier. 

This is an amazing meal. I love the combination of salsa and sour cream. It was creamy and full of flavor. 



Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake 
(modified from tastykitchen.com)
Ingredients:
  • 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (I used canned chicken)
  • 4 cups Cooked Brown Rice
  • ¾ cups Frozen Corn
  • 15 ounces, fluid Can Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed
  • 16 oz Sour Cream 
  • 4 ounces, fluid Can Green Chilis
  • 1 cup Salsa
  • 1 cup Low-fat Cheddar Cheese, Plus More For Topping
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro For Garnish
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for cilantro and mix thoroughly to combine. Make sure the yogurt and cheese are stirred in throughout the entire bowl. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with extra cheese if you would like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro.


I am never good at making rice, but I found an simple way over here at Mel's Kitchen Cafe if you are interested.  

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Clear the Air Challenge

I was recently invited to a press conference with Governor Herbert and Mayor Becker to kick off Utah's Clear the Air Challenge at Hogle Zoo. The challenge began August 1st and ends the 31st. The challenge motivates Utahns by giving them fabulous prizes for reducing their emissions this month. 

Here's what the official website has to say about the challenge: "According to the Utah Division of Air Quality, if all drivers living along the Wasatch Front were to park their cars just one day per week, vehicle emissions would be reduced by 6,500 tons per year. This means that every vehicle trip counts, and every mile you devote to smarter travel pays Utah back with cleaner, more breathable air. The Clear the Air Challenge, issued by Governor Herbert, Mayor Becker, Mayor Corroon and other community leaders, is a month long competition starting August 1st that gives you the chance to reduce your vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone using TravelWise strategies. By driving less and driving smarter, you will ultimately help improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and conserve energy in Utah. You will also be eligible for weekly and grand prize drawings by meeting straightforward, achievable travel goals.
Because air quality is a concern for all of us, we can't afford to leave anyone out. That's why this challenge is open to travelers of all ages throughout Utah, especially those in the Salt Lake Valley."

You can sign up for the challenge here and win awesome prizes.

Governor Herbert introducing the challenge.
The Mayor of Salt Lake City talking about the challenge.
My son enjoying the tigers at Hogle Zoo.

The zoo's new Rocky Shore's exhibit is now open and rocks!