Saturday, March 14, 2009

Southwestern Egg Rolls

There is definitely a love-hate relationship with these appetizers, originally from Chili's. Everyone I've asked either absolutely adores or abhors them. I happen to be on the adore side and made these to accompany dinner recently. I tripled the ingredients to feed my large family. They are easy, fun and yummy! Oh...and if your crew loves to dip make lots of sauce! We also mixed sour cream with salsa for dipping! Happy eating!

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast fillet, cooked and diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onion
1/3 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons diced, canned jalapeno peppers
1/2 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash cayenne pepper
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 pkg. egg roll wrappers

Avocado-ranch dipping sauce:
1/4 cup smashed, fresh avocado (about half of an avocado)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream1 tablespoon buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
dash dried dill weed
dash garlic powder
dash pepper

Garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped tomato
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the red pepper and onion to the pan and sauti for a couple minutes until tender.
3. Dice the cooked chicken into small cubes and add it to the pan. Add the corn, black beans, spinach, jalapeno peppers, parsley, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Cook for another 4 minutes. Stir well so that the spinach separates and is incorporated into the mixture.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
5. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of a wrapper. Fold in the ends and then roll the wrapper over the mixture. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have several eggrolls.
6. Preheat 2-3 inches of oil to 375 degrees.
7. Deep fry the eggrolls in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes (turning once when browned) and remove to paper towels or a rack to drain for about 2 minutes.
8. Slice each eggroll diagonally lengthwise and arrange on a plate around a small bowl of the dipping sauce.

Garnish the dipping sauce with the chopped tomato, cilantro and onion.

Serves 3-4

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Congratulations Rush and Brittany!

Rush and Brittany were married this morning! We arrived at the courthouse at 11:00 am and were leaving at noon. I was surprised at how personal the ceremony was...I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't a flowered arch in a private room complete with seats for visitors!

When the festivities were all over we asked Olivia how it felt to be a sister-in-law. She was floored...HUH? Then she wanted to know if Rush and Brittany had a baby if it would make her an aunt. Answer: Yes...but hopefully they wait awhile!

We welcome Brittany to our family...now we have 7 daughters...Victoria, Susanna, Alyssa, Olivia, Julia, Nina and Brittany!

Rush's long-time buddy Michael was on hand to be a witness as well as Brittany's friend Brianne and her little cutie Leland. Sarah, Victoria, Alyssa and Olivia celebrated with us too.



Filling out forms

Rush and Brittany with friends and family