Chicken Recipes

Here at my house, we love to entertain guests during big sporting events. We look forward to the Superbowl, NBA and NHL Playoffs and the World Series, just so we can throw a party! One of the foods we like to make are chicken wings, because they are inexpensive and easy to prepare.Each of these recipes can easily be doubled depending on the number of guests you will be feeding. You will want to plan on 5-6 chicken wings per guest. You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Once you are ready to serve your party guests, just reheat them in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.Here are 3 of our favorite recipes.Zesty Wings 24 chicken wings 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce 1/2 cup butter, melted 3 Tbsp. vinegar 2 pkgs. Hidden Valley Ranch ™ mix Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dip chicken in mixture of melted butter, pepper sauce and vinegar. Place in baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 package dry dressing mix. Bake 20 minutes. Turn wings and add 2nd package of dressing mix. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes or until brown. Sweet and Sour Chicken 24 chicken wings 1 jar of orange preserves 1 bottle of Russian salad dressing 1 pkg. dry onion soup Mix together orange preserves, salad dressing and onion soup mix. Pour over chicken wings and seal container for 2 hours to allow them to marinate in the refrigerator. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes, and uncovered for another 30 minutes.Yogurt Baked 6 oz. plain yogurt 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 24-28 chicken wings1 cup dry bread crumbs Heat oven to 350 degrees. Use a baking pan and grease it lightly. Mix yogurt, salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Tabasco sauce and garlic powder together. Dip chicken wings in mixture, roll in dry bread crumbs. Place chicken in the baking pan and bake uncovered for 60 minutes.

During the summer season, my family loves to go out traveling and camping. Our travel trailer has a stove top, refrigerator and a microwave so, I look for recipes that don’t require the use of an oven to make for our family dinners when we are out on the road camping. The following 2 recipes can be completely made by using your microwave and require less than 1 hour from start to finish. You can also make them up the day ahead of time and take them with you to reheat up in the microwave if desired.Chicken With Mushroom Sauce3 tablespoons butter (not margarine)1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped1/3 cup milk 1 brick of cream cheese, cut into cubes1/2 teaspoon chicken soup base1/2 teaspoon table salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper4 boneless, skinless chicken breastsIn a glass baking dish, combine 2 tablespoons butter, sliced mushrooms and onions. Microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. When done, stir in the milk, cubed cream cheese, chicken soup base, salt and black pepper. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Remove from the microwave and set aside. In another glass baking dish, place your chicken breasts and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave the breasts for 8-10 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the middle. Remove dish from the microwave and pour the mushroom sauce over top. Stir to blend ingredients and place back into the microwave. Cook on high for an additional 3-4 minutes. Italian Chicken And Pasta Dinner4 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles3 cups water1/2 teaspoon table salt2 tablespoons butter1/3 cup onion, finely chopped4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts8 ounce can tomato sauce1/2 teaspoon basil1/2 teaspoon oregano1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/4 cup heavy whipping cream1 tablespoon parsley1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded1/4 cup olives, slicedIn a large glass bowl, combine the uncooked noodles, water and salt. Microwave pasta on high setting for 10-12 minutes or until fork tender. You will want to stir the pasta 2-3 times during the cooking process so that it doesn’t get sticky. Drain water and set aside. In a glass baking dish, combine the butter and onion. Microwave on high setting for 3 minutes and then add in the chicken breasts and cook on the high setting for 10-12 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and whipping cream. (I like to use a silicone spatula.) Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cooked chicken breasts and cook on high for 4-5 minutes. Remove baking dish and sprinkle parsley, Mozzarella cheese and sliced olives on top. Place back in the microwave and cook on high for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cheese has melted. Serve over the cooked pasta noodles.

Boneless skinless chicken breast is the most popular cut of poultry in the United States and with good reason: they are low in fat, quick and easy to prepare and extremely versatile. This wonderful cut of poultry can be grilled, sauteed, broiled, poached, fried and baked. There is a downside however to this cut of meat: they are rather low in fat. You may be asking: “What is wrong with that? That makes them healthy right?” Yes, they are a healthier way to eat, but because they are low in fat, they are also low in moisture and that makes them very susceptible to over cooking. Nothing is less appetizing than a dry and overcooked piece of meat.

There are two ways to make certain your chicken is not overcooked. The first way, and the most accurate in my opinion, is to use an instant read thermometer. I own a handy little electronic thermometer with a voice alert feature. It is extremely accurate and has never let me down. The other method for checking doneness is by pricking the meat with a fork. If the juices run clear, then it is done. I think the first option is much safer, but you can be the judge.

There are literally hundreds of combined recipes and methods for cooking chicken breast, far too many to cover in this article, so I will talk about two very popular methods.

One of the easiest and tastiest ways is to marinate and grill them.

Below is a great marinade recipe:

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CITRUS HERB MARINADE

INGREDIENTS:

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Parsley

1/3 Cup of Freshly Chopped Basil

1 Clove of Garlic Minced

1 Teaspoon of Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Mix together everything, accept the chicken breasts, in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add chicken to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours.

Step 3: Get you grill nice and hot and oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 4: Grill chicken about 4 minutes per side or until done.

Another fantastic way to cook chicken breasts is by baking them in foil in the oven. The foil helps keep the meat nice and moist while cooking. What you put inside the foil is only limited by your imagination, but to make things easier, I have included a great recipe below.

CHICKEN WITH SUN DRIED TOMATOES AND KALAMATA OLIVES

INGREDIENTS:

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

10 – 15 Kalamata Olives Pitted and Chopped

8 – 10 Sun Dried Tomatoes Cut Into Thin Strips

4 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Chopped Basil

2 Tablespoons of Freshly Chopped Parsley

Salt and Pepper to Taste

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat Oven to 450 Degrees F

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the olives, tomatoes, basil, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cut 8 Squares of Aluminum Foil (Cut them large, about 18 inches square)

Step 4: Grab 2 squares of foil and place one on top of the other.

Step 5: Grease the foil with some olive oil

Step 6: Place a chicken breast in the center of the foil and spoon some of the tomato and olive mixture on top

Step 7: Loosely fold the foil over the chicken forming a tent and seal tightly

Step 8: Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts

Step 9 : Place the wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet and place in the pre-heated oven

Step 10: Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until done. To check for doneness, cut a small slit in the foil to allow the steam to escape and then carefully unfold the foil. Check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees F.

Step 11: Let the chicken breasts stand for about five minutes before serving.

Your picnic will no longer be a headache for you….. Just put on your apron and get your skillet ready You know, I really like chicken salad sandwich coz it’s so fun and simple to prepare and the recipes are so easy to follow that you can grab at your finger tips.

Check this yourself….

Here’s the recipe:

1st Recipe:Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe 1

Ingredients:

4 c cooked chicken, white and diced (or Left Over)

4 c celery, cubes

2 c mayo. vinaigrette

2 c. French Vinaigrette

Directions: Season the meat with the French Vinaigrette and set to chill for 1 hr.

To serve: Simply mix in the vegetables and mayo to the marinated chicken

To Garnish: Just follow the steps below Torn lettuce Chicken marinated with mayo and celery cubes Watercress, washed and drained Gherkins Olives, stoned Celery diced Mayonnaise

Enjoy!

2nd Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe 2

This recipe is new and with lemon.

Ingredients:

8 x 1/2  chicken breast, remove skin

4 celery , stalk, cut in 1/3 2 med.

onion, white and coarsely chopped

2 lg lemon, zests and juice of

4  eggs, boiled

2 tsps paprika

2 tsps salt to taste

5 tbsps mayo.

2 tbsps Mustard of Dijon

16 sl bread,

Sourdough Cheese slices, Muenster

Directions: Mix the meat, 1 onion, 2 stalks and cook for 25 mins. and remove when the meat is ready to eat. Set to cool and debone the meat. Then, you can cut the deboned chicken into dices.

Cut the left over onions, celery and the hard boiled eggs into small dices. Then, mix in with the meat. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon and the remaining ingredients except the cheese and bread Display the mixture on one slice of bread, then the Muenster and finally top with another slice of bread.

Tips: You can have a great and tasty sandwich by simply grilling the sandwich until brown. Serve hot.

I’m sure you enjoyed the 2 chicken salad sandwiches and your picnic as well.

The largest parts of folks who are on diet want to look in favor of chicken salad recipes they would get pleasure from. Having the combined protein that came from chicken and antioxidants appearance from the vegetables, chicken salads are one of the most amazingly, healthy and delicious food constantly.

Chicken salad is very simple to arrange, all you need is for around 20 to 30 minutes to tolerate it prepared. With the correctly chicken salad recipes you have and the complete mixture of veggies, nuts, fruits and dressings, you are next organized to toss them all and mix.

The preeminent parts that everybody loves with all individuals chicken salad recipes are the dressings. The salad dressings add spice to it, either if you prefer to use caesar salad dressings or vinaigrette dressings. These dressings give the style and the taste in place of each healthy and delicious salad that you long for to make.

The majority of the chicken salad recipes that you may possibly appear across will include the following ingredients such as full chicken breasts cubed, fresh pineapple cubes, chopped plum tomatoes, corn tortilla chips or nuts in support of the crunchiness; chunky salsa, cider vinegar, or mayonnaise and curry powder, on behalf of the dressings.

Chicken salad recipes are the easiest and healthiest way of intake especially when you are on a diet. The majority of us get used to it so much that we in no way disregard to add these salads and consider them in the role of side dishes in place of your every meal.

Whatever ingredients you allow in mind in creating your own chicken salad recipes, would still promote wellbeing in support of the individual who eats it. You can add your own lime relish or other tasty ingredients you may possibly think would help provide a burst of excitement meant for while eating it. There are no limits concerning making your chicken salad supplementary delicious and appealing.

However, if you are out of ideas and you would like to know what other options you have in adding other ingredients to your chicken salad recipes, you may possibly try going into the Internet and find recipes online. You would undeniably take pleasure in knowing the secrets of other salad fanatics like you.

History & Definitions

The chicken is a descendant of the Southeast Asian red jungle fowl first domesticated in India around 2000 B.C. Most of the birds raised for meat in America today are from the Cornish (a British breed) and the White Rock (a breed developed in New England). Broiler-fryers, roasters, stewing/baking hens, capons and Rock Cornish hens are all chickens. The following are definitions for these:

• Broiler-fryer a young, tender chicken about 7 weeks old which weighs 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds when eviscerated. Cook by any method.

• Rock Cornish Game Hen – a small broiler-fryer weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. Usually stuffed and roasted whole.

• Roaster – an older chicken about 3 to 5 months old which weighs 5 to 7 pounds. It yields more meat per pound than a broiler-fryer. Usually roasted whole.

• Capon – Male chickens about 16 weeks to 8 months old which are surgically unsexed. They weigh about 4 to 7 pounds and have generous quantities of tender, light meat. Usually roasted.

• Stewing/Baking Hen – a mature laying hen 10 months to 1 1/2 years old. Since the meat is less tender than young chickens, it’s best used in moist cooking such as stewing.

• Cock or rooster – a mature male chicken with coarse skin and tough, dark meat. Requires long, moist cooking.

Chicken Inspection

All chickens found in retail stores are either inspected by USDA or by state systems which have standards equivalent to the Federal government. Each chicken and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease. The “Inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture” seal insures the chicken is free from visible signs of disease.

Chicken Grading

Inspection is mandatory but grading is voluntary. Chickens are graded according to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service regulations and standards for meatiness, appearance and freedom from defects. Grade A chickens have plump, meaty bodies and clean skin, free of bruises, broken bones, feathers, cuts and discoloration.

Fresh or Frozen

The term fresh on a poultry label refers to any raw poultry product that has never been below 26 °F. Raw poultry held at 0 °F or below must be labeled frozen or previously frozen. No specific labeling is required on raw poultry stored at temperatures between 0-25 °F.

Dating of Chicken Products

Product dating is not required by Federal regulations, but many stores and processors voluntarily date packages of chicken or chicken products. If a calendar date is shown, immediately adjacent to the date there must be a phrase explaining the meaning of that date such as sell by or use before.

The use-by date is for quality assurance; after the date, peak quality begins to lessen but the product may still be used. It’s always best to buy a product before the date expires. If a use-by date expires while the chicken is frozen, the food can still be used.

Hormones & Antibiotics

No hormones are used in the raising of chickens.

Antibiotics may be given to prevent disease and increase feed efficiency. A “withdrawal” period is required from the time antibiotics are administered before the bird can be slaughtered. This ensures that no residues are present in the bird’s system. FSIS randomly samples poultry at slaughter and tests for residues. Data from this monitoring program have shown a very low percentage of residue violations.

Additives

Additives are not allowed on fresh chicken. If chicken is processed, however, additives such as MSG, salt, or sodium erythorbate may be added but must be listed on the label.

Foodborne Organisms Associated with Chicken

As on any perishable meat, fish or poultry, bacteria can be found on raw or undercooked chicken. They multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F (out of refrigeration and before thorough cooking occurs). Freezing doesn’t kill bacteria but they are destroyed by thorough cooking.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has a zero tolerance for bacteria in cooked and ready-to-eat products such as chicken franks or lunch meat that can be eaten without further cooking.

Most foodborne illness outbreaks are a result of contamination from food handlers. Sanitary food handling and proper cooking and refrigeration should prevent foodborne illnesses.

Bacteria must be consumed on food to cause illness. They cannot enter the body through a skin cut. However, raw poultry must be handled carefully to prevent cross-contamination. This can occur if raw poultry or its juices contact cooked food or foods that will be eaten raw such as salad. An example of this is chopping tomatoes on an unwashed cutting board just after cutting raw chicken on it.

Following are some bacteria associated with chicken:

• Salmonella Enteritidis may be found in the intestinal tracts of livestock, poultry, dogs, cats and other warm-blooded animals. This strain is only one of about 2,000 kinds of Salmonella bacteria; it is often associated with poultry and shell eggs.

• Staphylococcus aureus can be carried on human hands, in nasal passages, or in throats. The bacteria are found in foods made by hand and improperly refrigerated, such as chicken salad.

• Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in humans. Preventing cross- contamination and using proper cooking methods reduces infection by this bacterium.

• Listeria monocytogenes was recognized as causing human foodborne illness in 1981. It is destroyed by cooking, but a cooked product can be contaminated by poor personal hygiene. Observe “keep refrigerated” and “use-by” dates on labels.

Rinsing or Soaking Chicken

It is not necessary to wash raw chicken. Any bacteria which might be present are destroyed by cooking.

Liquid in Package

Many people think the pink liquid in packaged fresh chicken is blood, but it is mostly water which was absorbed by the chicken during the chilling process. Blood is removed from poultry during slaughter and only a small amount remains in the muscle tissue. An improperly bled chicken would have cherry red skin and is condemned at the plant.

How to Handle Chicken Safely

• Fresh Chicken: Chicken is kept cold during distribution to retail stores to prevent the growth of bacteria and to increase its shelf life. Chicken should feel cold to the touch when purchased. Select fresh chicken just before checking out at the register. Put packages of chicken in disposable plastic bags (if available) to contain any leakage which could cross-contaminate cooked foods or produce. Make the grocery your last stop before going home.

At home, immediately place chicken in a refrigerator that maintains 40 °F, and use within 1 or 2 days, or freeze at 0 °F. If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely.

Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag. Use these materials or airtight freezer containers to repackage family packs into smaller amounts or freeze the chicken from opened packages.

Proper wrapping prevents “freezer burn,” which appears as grayish-brown leathery spots and is caused by air reaching the surface of food. Cut freezer-burned portions away either before or after cooking the chicken. Heavily freezer-burned products may have to be discarded because they might be too dry or tasteless.

• Ready-Prepared Chicken: When purchasing fully cooked rotisserie or fast food chicken, be sure it is hot at time of purchase. Use it within two hours or cut it into several pieces and refrigerate in shallow, covered containers. Eat within 3 to 4 days, either cold or reheated to 165 °F (hot and steaming). It is safe to freeze ready-prepared chicken. For best quality, flavor and texture, use within 4 months.

Safe Defrosting

FSIS recommends three ways to defrost chicken: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave. Never defrost chicken on the counter or in other locations. It’s best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. Boneless chicken breasts will usually defrost overnight. Bone-in parts and whole chickens may take 1 to 2 days or longer. Once the raw chicken defrosts, it can be kept in the refrigerator an additional day or two before cooking. During this time, if chicken defrosted in the refrigerator is not used, it can safely be refrozen without cooking first.

Chicken may be defrosted in cold water in its airtight packaging or in a leak proof bag. Submerge the bird or cut-up parts in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to be sure it stays cold. A whole (3 to 4-pound) broiler fryer or package of parts should defrost in 2 to 3 hours. A 1-pound package of boneless breasts will defrost in an hour or less.

Chicken defrosted in the microwave should be cooked immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn’t have been destroyed. Foods defrosted in the microwave or by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.

Do not cook frozen chicken in the microwave or in a slow cooker. However, chicken can be cooked from the frozen state in the oven or on the stove. The cooking time may be about 50% longer.

Stuffed Chicken

The Hotline does not recommend buying retail-stuffed fresh whole chicken because of the highly perishable nature of a previously stuffed item. Consumers should not pre-stuff whole chicken to cook at a later time. Chicken can be stuffed immediately before cooking. Some USDA-inspected frozen stuffed whole poultry MUST be cooked from the frozen state to ensure a safely cooked product. Follow preparation directions on the label.

Marinating

Chicken may be marinated in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Boil used marinade before brushing on cooked chicken. Discard any uncooked leftover marinade.

Safe Cooking

FSIS recommends cooking whole chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured using a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures.

For approximate cooking times to use in meal planning, see the following chart compiled from various resources.

Approximate Chicken Cooking Times

Type of Chicken Weight Roasting

350 °F Simmering Grilling

Whole broiler fryer+ 3 to 4 lbs. 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hrs. 60 to 75 min. 60 to 75 min*

Whole roasting hen+ 5 to 7 lbs. 2 to 2 1/4 hrs. 1 3/4 to 2 hrs. 18-25 min/lb*

Whole capon+ 4 to 8 lbs. 2 to 3 hrs Not suitable 15-20 min/lb*

Whole Cornish hens+ 18-24 oz. 50 to 60 min. 35 to 40 min. 45 to 55 min*

Breast halves, bone-in 6 to 8 oz. 30 to 40 min. 35 to 45 min. 10 – 15 min/side

Breast half, boneless 4 ounces 20 to 30 min. 25 to 30 min. 6 to 8 min/side

Legs or thighs 8 or 4 oz. 40 to 50 min. 40 to 50 min. 10 – 15 min/side

Drumsticks 4 ounces 35 to 45 min. 40 to 50 min. 8 to 12 min/side

Wings or wingettes 2 to 3 oz. 30 to 40 min. 35 to 45 min. 8 to 12 min/side

+ Unstuffed. If stuffed, add 15 to 30 minutes additional time.

* Indirect method using drip pan.

Microwave Directions:

• Microwave on medium-high (70 percent power): whole chicken, 9 to 10 minutes per pound; bone-in parts and Cornish hens, 8 to 9 minutes per pound; boneless breasts halves, 6 to 8 minutes per pound.

• When microwaving parts, arrange in dish or on rack so thick parts are toward the outside of dish and thin or bony parts are in the center.

• Place whole chicken in an oven cooking bag or in a covered pot.

• For boneless breast halves, place in a dish with 1/4 cup water; cover with plastic wrap.

• Allow 10 minutes standing time for bone-in chicken; 5 minutes for boneless breast.

• The USDA recommends cooking whole poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured using a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. When cooking pieces, the breast, drumsticks, thighs, and wings should be cooked until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures.

Partial Cooking

Never brown or partially cook chicken to refrigerate and finish cooking later because any bacteria present wouldn’t have been destroyed. It is safe to partially pre-cook or microwave chicken immediately before transferring it to the hot grill to finish cooking.

Color of Skin

Chicken skin color varies from cream-colored to yellow. Skin color is a result of the type of feed eaten by the chicken, not a measure of nutritional value, flavor, tenderness or fat content. Color preferences vary in different sections of the country, so growers use the type of feed which produces the desired color.

Dark Bones

Darkening around bones occurs primarily in young broiler-fryers. Since their bones have not calcified completely, pigment from the bone marrow can seep through the porous bones. Freezing can also contribute to this seepage. When the chicken is cooked, the pigment turns dark. It’s perfectly safe to eat chicken meat that turns dark during cooking.

Pink Meat

The color of cooked chicken is not a sign of its safety. Only by using a food thermometer can one accurately determine that chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout. The pink color in safely cooked chicken may be due to the hemoglobin in tissues which can form a heat-stable color. Smoking or grilling may also cause this reaction, which occurs more in young birds.

Color of Giblets

Giblet color can vary, especially in the liver, from mahogany to yellow. The type of feed, the chicken’s metabolism and its breed can account for the variation in color. If the liver is green, do not eat it. This is due to bile retention. However, the chicken meat should be safe to eat.

Fatty Deposits

Chickens may seem to have more fatty deposits or contain a larger “fat pad” than in the past. This is because broiler fryer chickens have been bred to grow very rapidly to supply the demand for more chicken. Feed that is not converted into muscle tissue (meat) is metabolized into fat. However, the fat is not “marbled” into the meat as is beef or other red meat, and can be easily removed. Geneticists are researching ways to eliminate the excess fat.

Trisodium Phosphate

Food-grade trisodium phosphate (TSP) has been approved by FSIS for use in poultry slaughter as an antimicrobial agent. When immersed in and/or sprayed in a dilute solution on chickens, it can significantly reduce bacteria levels. TSP is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, and has been safely used for years, particularly in processed cheese.

Irradiation of Poultry

In 1992, the USDA approved a rule to permit irradiation of raw, fresh or frozen packaged poultry to control certain common bacteria on raw poultry that can cause illness when poultry is undercooked or otherwise mishandled. Irradiation at 1.5 to 3.0 kilo Gray, the smallest, most practical “dose,” would eliminate more than 99 percent of Salmonellae organisms on the treated poultry.

Packages of irradiated chicken are easily recognizable at the store because they must carry the international radura symbol along with the statement, “treated with irradiation” or “treated by irradiation.”

Storage Times

Since product dates aren’t a guide for safe use of a product, how long can the consumer store the food and still use it at top quality? Follow these tips:

• Purchase the product before the date expires.

• Follow handling recommendations on product.

• Keep chicken in its package until using.

• Freeze chicken in its original packaging, overwrap or re-wrap it according to directions in the above section, “How to Handle Chicken Safely”.

Offal is a rather loose term that can be applied to various internal organs and off-cuts of animals and birds. The English word ‘offal’ itself derives from the late 14th century terms of (off) and fal (fall) literally meaning those parts of an animal that fall off the butcher’s block. These were the worst cuts of meat, which even the poor could afford, especially as meat tended to be used as flavouring for other ingredients rather than a main component of the meal in and of itself.Indeed, some common recipes now made with fruit, such as mice pies started off using a mix of offal and fruit as a pie filling, especially around Christmas where venison was intended for the top table and everyone else had to make the most of the offal.For more details go to: www.150-venison-recipes.com this also explains the origins of many classic dishes such as black (blood) pudding, haggis, steak and kidney pies, brawn and sausages. All dishes bulked-out with offal.This idea of offal as a poor man’s protein source has definitely given offal rather a bad press. As soon as people became rich enough they wanted ‘proper’ meat. And the modern move away from the sources of food production has exacerbated the problem and offal has a ‘yuck’ factor that’s hard to get over. Especially as reports tell us that certain products such as liver and brain contain lots of cholesterol. But it has to be remembered that liver is also a good source of dietary iron and vitamin A.But, certain pieces of offal such as heart and kidneys are low in fat and high in good quality meat. Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten that certain offal products have a definite ‘cachet’ about them. Pâté (made from liver) is a good example of this, as are sweetbreads (thymus) which you will find on the menus of high-class restaurants.Today, with the current economic straits, offal can provide a nutritious high-protein meal. Using offal is also a way of keeping traditional and heirloom recipes alive. It is also a way of showing respect to the animals we slaughter for food, by maximizing our use of them. Below are two classic recipes using offal products?Chicken Liver Pâté225g Chicken Livers175g Butter2 tbsp Brandy2 tbsp of Mustard Powder1 tsp Mixed Herbs (parsley, coriander, chives, thyme)Two Cloves of Garlic (crushed)Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to tasteMethod:Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Coarsely chop the chicken livers and add to the pan. Fry on medium heat for five minutes, turning constantly (to ensure the livers cook but do not burn).Remove from the heat, allow cooling a little then pouring into an electric blender. Melt the remaining butter and tip this into the blender too. Pour in the brandy; add the herbs mustard and garlic before seasoning with salt and freshly-ground black pepper.For can visit to: www.classic-dessert-collection.com Blend to a smooth paste before spooning into six small Ramekins (or egg cups will do too) then refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set and serve with buttered hot toast.Steak and Kidney PieIngredients:450g beef steak, cubed100g kidneys, cubed1 onion, chopped1 garlic clove, finely chopped50g flour seasoned with salt, black pepper and thyme150ml beef stock150g shortcrust pastryMethod:Place the seasoned flour in a bowl and roll the beef and kidneys in this until completely coated. Transfer to an oven-proof dish and mix with the onion and garlic. Add the stock and roll the pastry out on a lightly-floured work surface until large enough to cover the top of the dish. Crimp to seal then cover the top of the dish with a sheet of foil then transfer to an oven pre-heated to 120°C. Cook slowly for three and a half hours then increase the temperature to 180°C and bake for a further 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden. Serve with chips and roasted carrots and parsnips.

Ginger Chicken Ginger chicken is a very tasty dish (without or little gravy), that goes well with fried rice, plain rice, rotis and parathas. This dish is not too spicy or hot and suitable for all. Ginger helps in digestion so this dish will not cause any digestion problem.

Ingredients:                    500 gm chicken, dressed & washed (cut in medium size) 6 onions (chopped) 4 tomatoes (chopped) 25gm ginger paste 1 tablespoon garlic paste 2 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoon chilli sauce 1 tablespoon soya sauce 1 teaspoon ajinomoto (optional, you can add ajinomoto for extra savoury taste) 1/2 cup of chopped coriander leaves (optional, either use coriander leaves or use ajinomoto, because they will mask each others taste. It is recommended to use coriander leaves for more Indian flavor) 1 tablespoon pepper powder 1 cup of milk 1 cup of vegetable oil Salt according to taste Preparation: Marinate the chicken for 10 min with a cup of milk. Cook the chicken pieces in a pressure cooker until the first whistle is blown. When the chicken becomes cool, strain the water. Heat the oil in a pan, sauté chopped onion and ginger-garlic paste and fry it well. Add pre-boiled chicken and fry it properly. Add chopped tomato, soya sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, pepper powder and salt to taste & stir it properly. When the chicken becomes dry, sprinkle ajinomoto or coriander leaves and and turn off the gas. Serve ginger chicken with Fried rice or plain rice or rotis or parathas and salad.

What are two words to describe the average college student? I choose busy and broke. I can say this because I am a veteran of the college experience and know what it means to bring my own beverage to a buffet to cut costs, or to use a sandwich maker to make breakfast. For some reason it is customary to be absolutely poor with no time to do anything about it when in college. Which means students are forced to try to purchase a meal plan or live on the poor mans diet. For more details go to: www.cheese-cake-recipes.com If you are a college student or the parent of a college student, I know your struggles and want to help you to find a few easy solutions to help relieve the burden of having no resources or insight into cooking in college.The first solution I want to offer is for students who are not cooking in college because they do not have a stove or microwave in their dorm room. I was in this position in school, which forced me and my roommate to get really creative when meal time rolled around. Remember that sandwich maker I mentioned earlier? Well it came in so handy for us that we ended up making meals for our friends on it. Traditionally created to put meat and cheese inside two slices of bread, the sandwich maker then seals the ingredients between the slices for a good-tasting hot sandwich. We of course saw limitless possibilities the unique product and used it to make square pancakes, fry bacon, and scramble eggs. While it seems a little over the top, it actually worked. We were able to eat well without needing a stove only an available plug.But if you are one of those lucky college students who have pots, pans, eating utensils, and living quarters with a stove, you are in luck even if you do not know what to do with them. For more you can visit to: www.fair-recipes.com let us say for instance your Mom gave you several cans of vegetables and some frozen chicken? You have been eye-balling that chicken forever knowing that you do not know how to fry it. And the last time you tried to bake some it was still frozen in the middle. There is an easy and very healthy solution to this problem. It is called homemade chicken noodle soup. Sounds intimidating, huh? Well do not let the word homemade fool you, it is very simple.To get started you simply fill one of those large pots halfway with water then toss in about four pieces of frozen chicken legs and thighs. Turn the fire up to high until the water boils then turn it to the low setting to simmer. Let the chicken simmer until you can poke a fork into easily it then throw in the vegetables you have, corn, carrots, and green beans are good, after draining the water out first. Season the soup with a good amount salt, some chicken-flavored bouillon cubes if you have them, and a little pepper for taste then throw in some egg noodles, Ramon Noodles can work too. When you are able to pull the meat off the bone with no trouble and the noodles are soft, you are good to go. This recipe makes cooking in college completely simple.One last Cooking In College recipe that works really well for either the sandwich maker or a skillet is cheese quesadillas. They are incredible to eat and can be made in large quantities for a cheap price. All you need is a bag of flour tortilla shells, usually about USD 1, a bag of shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend, either one usually about USD 2-3, and 2 jalapeno peppers about USD 0.15 each. Butter either the bottom of the sandwich maker or skillet then warm both tortilla shells in the butter for a great flavor then set them on a plate. Next cut up some jalapeno peppers in small bits and spread them evenly on one shell then cover with a liberal handful of cheese. Place the second shell on top then put in the skillet on high heat or place in the sandwich maker, you may need the cut the shell to fit the size of the sandwich maker. If you are using a sandwich maker, you simply close the lid and let it heat the quesadilla up on both sides simultaneously. If you are using a skillet, wait until the cheese melts then carefully flip to brown the other side. Take out in about 1 minute and you are ready to eat. Cooking in college is pretty easy, would not you say?There is an abundance of information on ways to successfully manage your time as a student while also cooking in college. And if your friends are anything like mine were, once they smell those great meals coming from your room or apartment, they will be trying to eat at your house every day. But just politely let them know they can do it on their own then point them to this article about cooking in college. Trust me – you will be able to hold on to your food easier that way.

For a new twist on a chicken salad, try this Tex-Mex Chicken Salad.  With a refreshing combination of salad greens, veggies, and grilled chicken tossed with your own home-made lime vinaigrette, it is perfect for hot summer days.  But it is also a good choice for any time of the year.  For a little south-of-the-border feel, hang a pinata, lay some mariachis on the table, bring out your colorful place mats and salad plates. Serve the salad with baked tortilla chips rather than bread or crackers.  Put salsa and guacamole in colorful dishes to add to the scheme.  A little salsa music in the background would help to set the mood.  There you have it, a quick and simple patio meal.

BLACK BEAN CHICKEN SALAD WITH LIME VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

SALAD:

6 cups mixed salad greens

1 1/2 cups cubed grilled or sauteed chicken breast

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinse well and drain

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup sliced, halved red onion

1/2 cup low-fat Mexican-blend shredded cheese

DRESSING:

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped tomato

1 tbsp vinegar (I prefer cider vinegar)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp lime zest

1 garlic clove, minced

dash of salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp chili powder

In a large salad bowl, combine the salad ingredients.  In a food processor or blender, combine the dressing ingredients.  Place lid on container and process until you have a smooth dressing.  Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.

Makes 4 servings.  Each serving:  298 calories, 26 g carbs, 28 g protein

Note:  I adapted this recipe from one I saw in a Light & Tasty magazine a few years ago.

Enjoy!