Tuesday, June 28, 2011

OMG Cheesy Corn?!?!?!

The recipe I made is for 2 people, but it is so delicious, that I really wish I would've made extra. So, I am putting the recipe on here that will yield 4 normal size servings, or 2 Abby-Cheesy portions. It's seriously one of the most finger-licking good things I have eaten in a long time.

I think this was meant to be a Mexican side dish, but I can't imagine trying to eat it with anything else that's spicy. This is an immediate winner. A great pot-luck dish to please the masses. I mean, can you think of anything better than cheesy corn?!

Cheesy Factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): 8 FINALLY!
Dummy Factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest): the culinary challenged can't screw this up
Time Factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 3

Cheesy Corn
1 15oz can of whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 of an 8oz package of cream cheese
2 Tbl butter
8-10 jarred jalapeno slices, finely chopped
1.2 tsp garlic salt

Put all ingredients into sauce pan and mix, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continually after cheese melts. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and blended well. Serve hot.

Oh, heavenly cheesy corn. How did I survive all these years without you? Spicy? Cheesy? And I feel less guilty knowing I am eating a vegetable?! It doesn't get much better.

I'd go so far as to say this is one of my favorite recipes of all time. It's that good.

Easy, Fast Chicken Kabob Marinade

This marinade is super random, but it is full of flavor, and the best part is: you only need to marinate for 30 minutes. There are so many amazing marinades, but so many of them require you to marinate for like 4 hours or something ridiculous. I'm not that organized most of the time, so I like ones that are quick and painless. This is also a great marinade in that most of the ingredients, aside from a fresh herb, you probably already have in your fridge and pantry!

Cheesy Factor (1 no cheese, 10 all cheese): 0
Dummy Factor (1 easiest, 10 hardest): 1
Time Factor (1 shortest, 10 longest): 3

30 Minute Ranch Chicken Marinade
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 ranch dressing
2 Tbl Worcestershire Sauce
2 and 1/2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
1 and 1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp lemon juice
3/4 tsp white (distilled) vinegar
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp white sugar
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 in pieces (1 breast per person)

Put all ingredients (except chicken) into bowl and whisk together. Let stand 5 minutes. In plastic bag, combine chicken and marinade. Seal bag and put in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Put chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grate, and then grill chicken skewers for 8-12 minutes or until cooked through center and juices run clear.

That's it! So simple! So yummy. And I don't even like ranch dressing, but it doesn't really taste like ranch at all. This marinade makes enough for 4 chicken breasts, but I make the full amount even if only make 2 breasts. And this is the one time I will say don't try and substitute dried herb for fresh herb. It really makes a difference.