July 4th ~ Sesame Chicken Strips ~ Rhubarb Chutney

Although very rewarding, gardening can be exhausting work to say the least.  No, we did not go camping (again).   I am just dreaming and looking at some old photos.

We are having the most perfect weather, and where are we today?  


In the garden.  Or at least I am.  Hubby got out of weeding and picking again.  Just as we were sipping coffee, sitting on the porch, his phone rang.  Work called.  He took the call out even though he was off today.

People should start "garden sitting" and "goat milking" for jobs this summer.  Of course they'd have to be trustworthy.  Even though I know the closest campground is most likely booked solid, I did sneak over and peek at their availability.

Waahhhh!  I need my camping fix!  The kids have been asking too.  Maybe I can convince Hubby we need to pop it up to do a good cleaning on the inside (he he!).  Maybe next week....sigh.....I have a feeling it won't be until next month.  It is something to look forward too, so I will be planning camper meals and activities all July.


Happy 4th of July!



We should be grilling dinner tonight, but my youngest (who still gets into these holidays) wants chicken tenders.  I make them from scratch and bake them in the oven.  Then she wants homemade fries (baked).  I had to tell her I don't have a double oven (yet) and cannot cook both at the same time.  I think she'll opt for mashed potatoes with garlic and chives.

Sesame Chicken Strips
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 cup crushed sesame snack crackers (about 30)*
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips

In a bowl, combine butter and soy sauce.  In another bowl, combine cracker crumbs, ginger and salt.  Dip chicken strips into butter mixture, then roll in crumbs until coated on all sides.  Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes or until juices run clear.

Note:  We used organic ingredients, and sesame crackers can be made from scratch a day in advance.  We crush them in our food processor.   And because I didn't get the "memo" about the holiday meal plan (early on) I did buy sesame sticks from the store (I know, I know, gulp!).  I also bake these on stoneware pans from Pampered Chef.  I do not grease them.

*I do suggest crushing homemade sesame bread sticks (the crunchy kind) vs. crackers.  You can google for recipes on the internet to make them, and they can be made with olive oil vs. canola.
 

This is the holiday that my dogs dislike.  I woke up to finding Alias in my bed.  Yep, fireworks are not always pet friendly.  Especially for two of our dogs.  We opt for sparklers.
 

I probably won't get a chance to try this recipe, but if you click on Eating Well Magazine, you will see a recipe for Rhubarb Chutney.  I heard chutney is excellent on fish tacos.  Mmmm!  Let me know if anyone tries this recipe.  I would love a review.