Basil Beer Bread

Just in time for Saint Patrick's Day!  It's tasty, filling, and made with BEER!  What more could you ask for?  I got this recipe straight from the Real Simple website.  Goes well with olive oil or Avocado Hummus (see previous post) for dipping.

Ingredients:
olive oil for the baking sheet
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably ale
flour for the work surface
1 cup chopped basil leaves
 
**NOTE- If using fresh basil, remove the leaf stems and chop into very small pieces.  This will help evenly distribute them.  You could also use the dry crushed basil found in the cooking spices section of your grocery store.**
 
Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 400° F. Oil a baking sheet. Combine the flour, yeast, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl.  Mix together with a large spoon.
2.  Add the basil and stir until well distributed.  
3.  Add the beer and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
4.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the loaf is lightly browned and passes the "toothpick test." This means if the bread is done, a toothpick stuck in the center of the loaf will come out clean.  If there are bread bits sticking to the toothpick, it needs to bake for a few more minutes.  Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Avocado Hummus

This isn't so much of a recipe as it is a really good idea.  Do you like avocados?  Do you like hummus?  If yes, then go for it!

Ingredients:
1 tub hummus (we used garlic flavored)
2 ripe avocados
Juice of 1 lime
A few shakes salt and pepper
1 bag pita bread, sliced
Celery sticks, baby carrots, and broccoli florets

1.  Scoop out avocados into a large mixing bowl.  Add lime juice, salt and pepper.  Mash with fork until you get a guacamole consistency.
2.  Add hummus to bowl and stir well.
3.  Bake pita bread slices at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Use these and the veggies for dipping.

Chicken Chow Mein

This is a great way to get a bunch of vegetables in one meal.  You can use the ones listed or modify it to your tastes.  We found the chow mein noodles in the Asian food aisle at the local Albertson's.  Makes 3-4 servings.

Ingredients:
2 carrots, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 leaves fresh cabbage, chopped
1 cup sprouts
1 can water chestnuts, drained
1 small can pineapple chunks, drained
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 package chow mein noodles
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle Teriyaki sauce
Garlic powder and black pepper (optional)

1. Fill a large pot with water and heat until boiling.  Cook noodles according to directions on the package, then strain and set aside.
2. Throw all veggies (and pineapple) into a large frying pan with the vegetable oil, cook until just tender.
3. Chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.  Add to frying pan and cook till done.
4. Add Teriyaki sauce, garlic powder and black pepper to taste.  Remove the pan from heat, add noodles and stir.

If you like your food spicier, you can add a bit of Sriracha (chili garlic sauce, also called "Rooster Sauce").