What's For Dinner? Lettuce Wraps!

From most of my food blogging you can probably tell that I a major sweet tooth. I usually don't branch out very much in the dinner department, but I've been searching for more healthy alternatives to my favorites. One of my favorite genres of food is Mexican. Yummmmm! Nothing makes my heart smile more than a big 'ol batch of white queso and tortilla chips. Combine a yummy taco slopped with sour cream and I'm in heaven.

As a little alternative to the traditional taco, we swapped out the tortilla shell for lettuce. Wild huh? I'm sure you have tasted something similar in your eating days!

I modified this recipe a smidgen to suit our needs. Plus, I forgot a few ingredients at the store. One of these days, I'll become an expert at grocery shopping.

Chicken & Pepper Lettuce Wraps (for two!)

2 chicken breasts 

2 Cups Zesty Italian Dressing

1 tbsp Cumin

2 bell peppers sliced (I picked a yellow and red one!)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Head of lettuce

Fun fact: Until recently, I had no idea that cumin actually made things spicy. I found out the hard way.

Mix one cup of the Italian Dressing and the cumin in a bowl with your chicken that has been cut into strips. Stick it in the fridge for 30 minutes or so to marinate.

Add remaining dressing to skillet and toss in chopped peppers. Cook until they are a little crispy. Set aside to let them cool.

In the same skillet (with dressing) toss in your chicken until it's cooked through. It will probably take about 10 minutes. Add your veggies for about 2 minutes and stir.

Spoon your chicken and peppers into your lettuce wraps and top with cheese. Add some salsa if you're feeling fancy!

Awkward arm

Yuuum

Delicious and colorful!

Seriously, these were ah-maz-ing. I think I said "WOW! These are really good" several times during our meal. I think I set the bar pretty low in my mind, so I was very suprised how much I enjoyed them. Once upon a time, I was a very picky eater (my sister can testify to that) and I would have never tried something like this. I guess this means I'm growing up.

Hungry Hungry Hippo

Whew! After surviving my second Meet the Teacher afternoon/evening I was one hungry hungry hippo.

I felt a photo was necessary.

I have been waiting/dying to try Picky Palate's chicken taquitos. Click here to access her recipe index. So on my drive home I started thinking about dinner. Okay, let's be honest. I'm always thinking about food... so I knew this was a good idea long before 5:00.

I got home and dumped everything in my living room and headed towards the kitchen. I pulled up the recipe on my computer to find I was missing the first 4 ingredients. Shucks!

Did that stop me!? No way jose. I made due with what thingy-ma-bobs (also known as ingredients) I had and started cooking.

Oh-so-tempting!

Tempting Shredded Chicken Taquitos

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped red pepper

1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper

2 cups cooked, then shredded chicken breast

3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
burrito size flour tortillas

1. In 10-inch non stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and jalapeno pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken, 3 tablespoons cilantro, salt, cumin, pepper and tomatoes with green chilies; cook 5 minutes. 

2. Place oil into large skillet over medium heat. Place about 2 large Tablespoons of chicken mixture into each tortilla. Tightly roll, securing ends with toothpicks. In batches, place taquitos into hot pan. Pan fry until nice and golden brown on each side. Remove, transfer to a paper towel lined plate to dry. Serve and enjoy!

I sat down at my usual spot at the kitchen table and laughed along with Robin, Barney, Marshall, Ted, and Lilly. No, those are not my imaginary friends, guys. 5:00? HIMYM! Everyday!

Paired my taquito with a hearty helping of chips and salsa!

Full belly and happy heart ready for day one of 5th grade!