Making Meals Monday

I know you will all be happy to know that I am back to cooking this week. As fun as last week was, I would be 1000 pounds if I lived like that on a weekly basis.

So this week, here is what is on the menu:

Ranch Crispy Chicken

Ingredients (now the ingredients are for 8 pieces of chicken, but you can 1/2 it)

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 (1 ounce) packages ranch dressing mix
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Combine dressing mix and bread crumbs in a plastic bag. Add chicken and shake until coated.
3. Place coated chicken pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Serve with rice or potatoes, if desired.

------------------------------------------------------

Sweet 'n' Hot Glazed Salmon

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups apricot nectar
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (3/4 pound) salmon filet without skin

Directions

1. Preheat your oven's broiler, and grease a broiling pan.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the apricot nectar, dried apricots, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until reduced by about half. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove 1/4 cup of the glaze for basting, and set the remaining aside.
3. Place the salmon filet on the greased broiling pan, and brush with glaze. Broil 3 inches from the heat for 8 to 12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Gently turn over once during cooking, and baste frequently during the last 4 minutes. Serve with remaining glaze.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Szechwan Shrimp

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces cooked shrimp, tails removed

Directions

1. In a bowl, stir together water, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, crushed red pepper, and ground ginger. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in green onions and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in shrimp, and toss to coat with oil. Stir in sauce. Cook and stir until sauce is bubbly and thickened.

--------------------------------------------------------

See you tomorrow!!!