We love food!

Chris and I are on a roll in terms of meal planning and trying out new recipes! We are really enjoying picking out new things to try. We are also saving a lot of money by only buying exactly what we need for our meals at the store and not wasting food. Double yay! 

In the past 24 hours we have tried out three recipes that are surely going to become some of our family favorites!

Oven Fries: These are ridiculously easy and soooooooo DELICIOUS!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp: I made a large pan of this last night and ate two bowls last night, one this afternoon and another one tonight.... YUMMY! Definitely not healthy, but totally worth it!

Thai Garlic and Basil Chicken: Yay, a healthy one! Chris and I really enjoy Thai food (thanks Cool Basil) and this was my first attempt at making some myself. It turned out really well! 

All of these recipes came from a little calendar that my mom gave me for Christmas last year. I already ripped off the cover page so I have no clue who to give credit for these recipes. So to whoever made them up, "You're great!"

Here they are!

Oven Fries

Ingredients:

2.5 pounds russet potatoes

2 Tbsp olive oil

3 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (depends on how spicy you want them)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil, and coat well with vegetable cooking spray. Scrub potatoes well and cut into 1/2 inch thick fries. In a large zip lock bag, toss potatoes with oil, sugar, garlic, cayenne, salt and pepper. Spread on baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until potatoes are tender and browned. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)

2 cups sliced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup oats
½ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Place sliced strawberries and rhubarb in the bottom of a greased two quart baking dish. In a saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and the 1 cup of water and vanilla. Cook together until clear, then pour over strawberries and rhubarb. In mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, butter and cinnamon; mix together until crumbly. Spread evenly on top of fruit mixture. Bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes.

Thai Garlic and Basil Chicken

Ingredients: 
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sugar
1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup cold water
1 Tbsp corn starch

Directions: 
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pepper, toss for 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes. Add chicken and sauté until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes. Whisk together soy sauce and sugar, and add to skillet. Cook, uncovered until chicken is cooked through, about 3 more minutes.  Whisk together cold water and cornstarch and stir into pan until thickened. Stir in fresh basil and toss well. Remove from heat and allow flavors to blend. Serve over rice. 

Doesn't this look delicious????