Cocinando con Alena

This BBQ pulled chicken recipe is a fanciful reinterpretation of pulled pork that slow-cooks chicken in lots of tangy tomato sauce. Have sliced jalapenos, sliced red onions and some sour cream on hand to top this barbecue pulled chicken, which makes a hearty main course. You can turn it into an unbelievable sandwich or serve it on mashed potatoes or even whole-grain spaghetti. Serve with shredded napa cabbage tossed with low-fat mayonnaise, cider vinegar, celery seed and honey to taste. Barbecue Pulled Chicken Makes: 8 servings Ingredients: 1 8-ounce can reduced-sodium tomato sauce 1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained 3 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, m...

A tuna fish sandwich is a classic lunch choice, but for a variety of reasons some people are staying away from tuna these days. Here's a vegetarian (and vegan) alternative version for those who miss that tangy, creamy lunchtime treat. Ask any mermaid you happen to see, this version is a winner!  Depending on what kind you buy, it can be unethical, not to mention downright dangerous, to consume tuna. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch has the details, but basically some tuna can contain dangerous amounts of mercury and if fished improperly, can result in large quantities of bycatch of threatened and endangered species.  Chickpea of the Sea uses delicious, healthy chickpeas instead of canned tuna. The salty umeboshi vinegar introduces a seafood-like flavor, and I've heard that crumpling in some dried seaweed (like half a sheet of toasted nori) is also delicious. Both can be found in well-stocked grocery stores and specialty stores that carr...

There is nothing unique about this recipe, it is pretty much what you would expect from a breakfast grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe puts eggs, bacon and cheese onto a grilled cheese sandwich. You can get creative with this and add additional breakfast items such as cooked breakfast sausage or cooked hash browns. I like to serve this with the hash browns on the side, but I am positive it would be delicious in the actual sandwich itself. This of course makes an amazing breakfast idea but would also go great served for dinner. Enjoy,, Breakfast Grilled Cheese Makes 2 Servings Ingredients: 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk Salt and pepper (to taste) 3 teaspoons butter (divided) 4 slices whole wheat bread 4 slices Colby-jack cheese 4 slices crispy cooked bacon Instructions: Step 1 : In a medium bowl beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper until blended. Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture. As the eggs begin to...

Turn grilled cheese into an adult dish with creamy buffalo mozzarella and flecks of fresh thyme. Grilled Mozzarella Sandwiches SERVINGS:4 Ingredients: 1 pound fresh buffalo mozzarella, cut into 4 equal pieces about 3-inches by 4-inches 8 1/2-inch thick firm white sandwich bread 2 large eggs 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves 1 teaspoon coarse salt A grating of nutmeg 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Instructions: Place the mozzarella on 4 slices of the bread. Cover with the remaining slices to form sandwiches. Trim the crusts off to make perfect 4-inch squares. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the cream, thyme leaves, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended. In a 10 to 12-inch nonstick saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and cook until the sizzling subsides. Dip 2 of the sandwiches into the egg mixture, turning to coat, pl...