Going out to eat with friends and family can be lots of fun. It can also be very expensive. The average cost per entree in a restaurant is now about $10 a plate and that's not counting appetizers or drinks. Instead of going out, invite everyone to dine in at home.
Southwestern Chicken & Cheese Appetizers
Here's a new twist on a very popular appetizer at Chili's called the Southwestern Egg Roll. Serve with salsa and ranch dressing. Follow it up with an easy Spanish rice entree for an expensive, fun night at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast fillet
- 2 tablespoon red bell pepper, minced
- 2 tablespoon green onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 2 tablespoon frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/3 cup frozen corn
- ¼ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon taco seasoning
- ½ tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
- 5 -7-inch flour tortillas
Directions:
- Rub peanut oil on chicken breast.
- Salt and pepper lightly on both sides of the chicken.
- Sear the chicken breast in a hot pan for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until done.
- Set aside until it cools enough to handle.
- Now heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add to skillet red pepper and onion; sauté until tender, about two minutes.
- Cube chicken meat and add to skillet.
- Add spinach, corn, black beans, spinach, taco seasoning and cilantro to mixture.
- Cook for 4 minutes; stir well to incorporated ingredients in the mixture.
- Take pan off the heat; add cheese and stir until melted.
- Heat tortillas by wrapping in a moist cloth and place in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
- Spoon some of the mixture into center of each tortilla one at a time.
- Roll tortillas by folding in ends and rolling; roll very tight and stick a toothpick in them to hold together.
- Place appetizers on a plate, cover with plastic wrap; freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to fry, preheat 4-6 cups of oil to 375°F in a large deep pan or pot.
- Fry each one until it is light brown and crispy in hot oil for 5 to 10 minutes; drain on paper towels or a rack.
- To serve, slice each appetizer diagonally and serve with salsa and ranch dressing.
Easy Spanish Rice
Serve the Southwestern appetizers by themselves or as part of a meal with an easy Spanish rice main meal dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of white rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of canned or frozen corn
- 1/2 pound of ground beef
- 1 packet or 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup of Monterrey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup salsa
Directions:
- In a sauce pan, boil the rice with the chicken broth until thoroughly cooked. Set aside.
- Brown ground beef, drain fat and add 1 cup of water with the taco seasoning to the meat and simmer until water is almost evaporated and the mixture has thickened.
- Add rice, corn and salsa to beef mixture. Stir and combine well.
- Transfer mixture to serving dish. Top with cheese and heat gently in oven until cheese melts.
Set The Mood
Create the feeling of being in a restaurant by setting the mood for your guests.
Set the table with a Southwestern or colorful table cloth and brightly colored dishes. Consider mixing and matching dishes and tableware for a more eclectic environment. Place warm baskets of tortilla chips in the center of the table with little cups of salsa available for each guest. Offer lime flavored drinks or margaritas to go along with the festive meal. Be creative.
In the future, think up fun ways to entertain family, friends and guests at home. Consider a taco soup party, tailgate social or chili cook off.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
