Today I have a special treat, a recipe from my daughter Nikki. Nikki is a wonderful cook, like her momma she isn’t afraid to try new things or to deviate from a recipe to make it her own. If Nikki is afraid of anything it’s the thought of me turning the blog over to her, just can’t seem to get Nikki comfortable with writing about her cooking adventures. I’m working on it though.
We’re pretty proud of our girl. She is going through some life changes lately some are good, a few are bad, others are sad. But Nikki is a strong girl with a good head on her shoulders, there is no doubt she is going to come out on top of all of this.
Recently Nikki quit her job of eight plus years because of the hours and the time it was taking her away from her little man Eric who started Kindergarten this past September. As scary as that decision was it turned out to be the right one. Nikki immediately landed a great job with endless possibilities; a great place for her to settle into a career and not just a job. Best of all she can take Eric to school in the morning and she is home at night with her little man. Eric loves it and so does Nikki! It also means that I get to spend a couple hours a day, a few days a week with Eric before Nikki comes home. It’s a win, win, win for all three of us!
Eric and Nikki have been putting their time together to good use. They do homework, read books, play outside, go for walks and play on ABC Mouse. They have been cooking up a storm too!! It’s fun watching them together, Nikki will actually ask Eric what they should make for dinner, he gives his opinion. A family meeting resulting in a joint decision, a mutual agreement. Needless to say I am hoping that all this cooking and experimenting over there is going to be great for our blog!
Yesterday when Nikki shared this recipe on her Facebook page and posted that she was making it for dinner last night I knew I had to get her to let me blog about it. I had no doubt that I wouldn’t get Nikki to write the blog so we agreed that she would whip up the dish and let me know how it turned out so I could blog about it.
When Nikki took it out of the oven she sent me a picture via text and her message read; “Smells and looks fantastic!” After she taste tested it she sent me another text; “OMG!! Cajun instead of paprika one “hell of a kick!!” It’s awesome!! No doubt Nikki is my daughter, she used Cajun instead of the paprika the recipe calls for. Not only did she make a spice switch she made sure it was spicy too!!
This dish is easy to make and can be put together pretty quickly. Perfect for a fall evening at home while spending time with those you love. Give it a try!
Thanks Nikki!! Can I put my request in now for one new recipe a week? Next I have to work on my momma, she has some great recipes I’d like to share, I just need to get Mom a digital camera for photo’s!!
Have a great Thursday everyone!!
LOADED CHICKEN AND POTATOES
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed (1″)
6-8 medium skin on red potatoes, cut in 1/2″ cubes
1/3 c olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp paprika (Nikki substituted Cajun Seasoning)
2 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp hot sauce (more if you like it HOT)
Topping:
2 c fiesta blend cheese
1 c crumbled bacon
1 c diced green onion (Nikki omitted the onion)
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Spray a 9X13″ baking dish with cooking spray
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika (cajun seasoning), garlic powder, and hot sauce
- Add the cubed potatoes and chicken and stir to coat
- Carefully scoop the potatoes and chicken into the prepared baking dish
- Bake the potatoes and chicken for 55-60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until cooked through, crispy, and browned on the outside
- While the potatoes are cooking, fry your bacon (about half a pound)
- Once the potatoes and chicken are fully cooked, remove from the oven
- Top the cooked potatoes with the cheese, bacon, and green onion
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted
Serve with any of the following:
- Extra hot sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Sour Cream
Source: N. Kiester (Source: SuperMoms Raising Healthy Kids – Kristen Washington)
rezichfamilykitchen 