Sweet Garlic Buns

This is definitely a random discovering, having much to do with leftovers. I'm always at a loss on what to do with the leftover Sweet Hawaiian Rolls/Buns in the package of 8, when we only use 4 or whatever. That's when I decided to try and make garlic bread with it. And, boy, am I happy I did.

Cheesy Factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): cheese
Dummy Factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest): 2
Time Factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 2

Sweet Garlic Buns
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls/Buns, sliced in half
Butter
Garlic Salt
Shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or Monterrey jack)

In small dish or bowl, melt 1 Tbl butter for every 2 rolls/buns you are making in microwave. Put oven to broil, set bun halves face side up on baking sheet, and place under broiler. Lightly toast, about 2 minutes, or until you see them start to brown (be careful not to let burn). Take out from under broiler. With a spoon, gently drizzle melted butter over each half of bun, as evenly as possible (if have baste brush, could use this also). Then, sprinkle garlic salt over each half, and then top with thin layer of shredded cheese. Put back under broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve open faced or as "sandwich".

I can't believe I am going to say this, but be careful to not put too much cheese. I, of course, put way too much cheese, and it wasn't as good. Just a thin layer will suffice. But this was a nice easy snack to make or a good side with dinner, and it puts a sweet spin on your average garlic bread.

I Have So Much To Blog About....

I'm clearly in a slap happy mood and having fun with my play on words today: so much to blog about? not brag about. It never hurts to smother your chicken? Or anyone else for that matter. I can't help myself.

Coming up this week:
- Sweet Garlic Buns
- Spice Up Your Life, And Your Chicken
- Rice and Veggie Pilaf

I'm trying to get these posted ASAP, I promise.

It Never Hurts to Smother Your Chicken

This sounds like a self help book or something.... "Don't be afraid to smother your man" or something along those lines. This is a book I would never read for the record, but it IS ok to smother your chicken.

I get very tired of cooking chicken. I just feel like I run out of ways to do it. So I started treating chicken breasts as if they were different types of sandwiches. And I like different "toppings" on my sandwiches, so why not put these on my chicken?!

Cheesy Factory (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): really? a "sandwich" without cheese?? Get serious.
Dummy Factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest): 3
Time Factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 3

Smothered Chicken
2-4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1 per person)
Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
Avocado
Bacon
Mango Chutney Aioli (recipe in other blog post)

Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, and cook as desired (grilled, baked, in pan, etc.). Preheat broiler. Spread thin layer of mango chutney aioli on top of chicken, then add thin slice of avocado. Top the avocado with 2 bacon slices, and sprinkle with desired amount of shredded cheese. Place smothered chicken on broiler pan, and broil about 30 seconds (enough to melt cheese). Serve hot, with side of aioli for dipping if desired.

I think the key to this recipe, is to add a thin layer of favorite condiment to the chicken before adding any veggies or bacon, cheese, etc. It keeps the chicken moist when going into the broiler, and adds a little extra flavor. You don't have to make mayo chicken, just a thin layer will do: mayo, mustard, honey, Italian dressing, etc. They will all be good.

Just picture what you like on your sandwiches, or on your salads, and use those toppings on your chicken to create a whole new taste.