southwestern pittsburgh chicken salad

I know, I know - I've been absent! Truthfully, I haven't been cooking as much, and when I have, it's been recipes that have already been posted. This recipe isn't revolutionary or anything, but it's better than nothing. It's a variation on the traditional Pittsburgh salad. However, tonight I had some random leftovers (mushrooms and peppers that I bought for a leftover omelet, but never used) and whatnot, that I decided to try something slightly different. Here it goes:

• 1/2 lb. chicken
• Mesclun salad
• Red and yellow peppers, diced
• Mushrooms, chopped
• Red onion, diced
• 1 avocado
• Cheddar cheese
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons or so of Ranch
• Salt & pepper
• Waffle fries

pesto turkey burgers

I was in the mood for something other than pasta tonight (strange, I know, but it happens.) I decided to try a recipe I've had on hold for awhile for pesto turkey burgers. It calls for a grill, but alas, I didn't have one (sad face) and just used the stove top instead. They turned out pretty great. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 lb. of lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• Sprinkle of pepper
• Buns of your choice (ha)

Begin by mixing all ingredients (expect buns) together in a bowl. Mix well with your hands and form into balls, then pat flat into burger shapes. You can get 2-3 burgers out of the amounts above (so 4-6 easily if you double everything). I just made them in a skillet. It took about 15 minutes total to cook them both through over medium heat, flipping occasionally. That's it - super easy. They turned out to have a really strong flavor that didn't even call for any condiments beyond a little lettuce and tomato.

I paired them with some french fries. I got the regular crispy variety in the freezer section. I tossed them with some oil and a half a package of dry Ranch dressing mix, baked for 15-20 minutes (per directions) and got some really great seasoned fries out of it. Definitely a tasty, unique recipe if you're looking for a different kind of burger.

Bon chappétit!

pittsburgh chicken salad

So last night I made an old favorite of mine - the Pittsburgh chicken salad. If you're not from the 'burgh, you may be wondering what makes this different from any other salad. The difference is french fries. We love putting french fries on things (see: Primanti Bros.) Especially seasoned, zesty fries. I love over-cooking them just a bit so they're nice and crispy. Throw them on a bed of romaine with a peppery sauteed chicken breast and melt some sharp cheddar all over. Top with another Pittsburgh favorite, Ranch dressing, and you have an awesome little bowl of paradise.

PS. This also works amazingly well with steaks on the grill in the summer.