Ridiculously easy Pesto Chicken

Prep time for this meal was about 5 minute cook time for the chicken about 25 to 30. It was so delish! I was on pinterest and found this recipe Baked Pesto Chicken I had everything so decided to give it a try.

3 Chicken breast, sliced
3 to 4 tablespoons Pesto ( I used store bought, because I had it you could make your own.)
3 low fat string cheese, sliced
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
Fresh ground pepper about 4 to 5 turns

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray baking dish with cooking spray (I use the olive oil spray from TJ's) the spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the dish.

Slice chicken breast in strips, place in dish spread 2 tablespoons of pesto on chicken strips. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder.

COVER WITH FOIL (helps keep chicken moist, let's face it nobody likes dry chicken). Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes (depending on your oven). 

Remove from oven, uncover. Slice up 3 low fat string cheese and place on baked chicken, on top of cheese add 4 to 5 turns of fresh ground pepper.

 Broil for about 5 minutes (watching to make sure cheese does not burn)

Ta-da...delish pesto chicken, serve with your favorite veggies.

*I'm playing with my photos, yesterday I used paper bags as the background. Probably won't do that again.

Enchilada Chili

Yesterday while shopping at Trader Joe's I sampled "Russel's Enchilada Chili" (I'm assuming Russell is one of the crew members at the Trader Joe's in Stockton). I was hesitant to try this recipe because Joe isn't a fan of black beans. I made it in anyways but subbed ground beef for ground turkey. It was delish!!! He enjoyed it as did I, definitely will be making this again soon. The other great thing about the chili is it takes about 30 minutes start to finish and only has few ingredients.

1lb. Ground Turkey

1 can of corn, drained

1 jar double roasted salsa

1 bottle enchilada sauce

2 cans black beans, drained

*all of my ingredients are from Trader Joe's (you can totally substitute). 

Brown ground turkey in a pot, add drained corn and stir. Add drained black beans, salsa and enchilada sauce. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Ready to serve.

You can top this with shredded cheddar and or sour cream. Since we are trying to eat healthier we had neither and it was still awesome.

Happy New Year!

The start of a new year comes with so much hope and happiness for the next 365 days ahead. Joe is starting his teaching credential program. Im getting my medical assistant certificate and my license to sell life insurance. We are in two weddings together this year a few trips planned and a lot of time working on our home, hopefully a baby, should make for a busy year. One of our resolutions is to quit smoking cigarettes, wish us luck! We are also eating better so our resolution is basically a lifestyle change. Weighing in tomorrow at work, once again wish me luck. Should be interesting at least we have each other to support one another.

Looking forward to doing a lot more blog post this year. Cheers to health, wealth and prosperity (I ate black eyed peas earlier today)!

Happy new year!
-Rachel