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cheese

The Top Attractions in Leavenworth, Kansas

December 6, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Leavenworth is the ideal choice for an overnight stay to explore the state’s history and appreciate modern attractions. From breakfast time until long after the sun goes down, the northeastern Kansas town has more than enough entertaining things to do including shopping, dining, and strolling the historic district.

There’s a lot to love about Leavenworth.

Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. Buffalo Bill Cody spent time there as a youth.

Historic Fort Leavenworth is the oldest Army post in continuous existence west of the Missouri River. It played a key role in keeping the peace between Indian tribes and settlers heading west.

President Abraham Lincoln’s final speech in Kansas took place in Leavenworth during an overnight stay. (The steps are now located on the lawn of the Carroll Mansion.)  Additionally, the Frontier Army Museum includes an exhibit about Lewis and Clark who made part of their expedition through Leavenworth. The gallery includes tools and military artifacts of the time. The Buffalo Soldier Monument is a must-see stop when tracing the history of the military.

Today, the town is a bustling community made up of welcoming folks. On a return trip to Leavenworth, I explored the best of the town’s attractions and overnight accommodations.

LODGING

Hampton Inn & Suites isn’t just another hotel chain. It is one of my top choices for places to stay for the price when searching out hotel accommodations. Not only do they have modern, clean facilities, but they also serve a full complimentary breakfast to guests. The Leavenworth location (405 Choctaw St.) also has some of the friendliest staff you’ll meet.

During my check-in, the front desk employee was kind and offered concierge services on the house. I was debating between a couple of restaurants for dinner and he helped make my decision an easy one.

My guest room was perfect. Spacious and comfortable, the in-room amenities included a refrigerator, microwave, and work center. Within walking distance of historic downtown, the view from my window showcased the town’s skyline.

The staff went above and beyond by gifting me a box of warm cookies, a welcomed surprise left in my room. I already felt at home in Leavenworth and I hadn’t even explored the town yet.

BREAKFAST

THE DEPOT

At the edge of the town’s 28-block historic downtown district is The Depot (781 Shawnee St.), an always-busy restaurant known for serving excellent breakfast and lunch classics. The eatery is located inside a beautifully restored Santa Fe train depot established in 1887. Voted Best Breakfast & Brunch, the place was filled with happy customers.

Walking the creaky wooden floors through one of several dining rooms, I eventually settled into a table. Tiffany lamps hung from the ceiling. Lace curtains flanked tall windows. Framed photographs of locomotives decorated the walls. It truly felt as if I was dining inside a train depot in the 1800s.

I ordered the Broken Yolk Sandwich made from eggs, bacon, and cheese from a menu listing hearty breakfast plates and a la carte items. As I looked at the plates of other guests, the portions were large. Satisfied with my choice, I knew I return to enjoy the Smoked Turkey Hash that I heard my server describing to another guest.

In the meantime, I snacked on the complimentary “duffin” before my meal arrived. The cinnamon and sugar breakfast bite is a part muffin, part donut, and all kinds of delicious.

They serve breakfast and lunch from 7 am-1:30 pm every day of the week. Like most businesses in Leavenworth, the family-owned restaurant offers a military discount. Go for breakfast, return for lunch, and if you’re feeling like a cocktail, ask about the drink special on the “Prohibition Ends at Last” card displayed on your table. Plan your visit and view The Depot’s hours here.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER

I discovered the Riverfront Community Center purely by accident when in search of my breakfast destination. The building once served as the Leavenworth Union Depot and was the center for transportation and commerce in town after its completion in 1888. Now, it’s where locals and visitors can use recreational facilities.

The lobby is a must-stop for history buffs who want to familiarize themselves with the town’s beginnings. A framed photograph of Colonel Henry Leavenworth hangs on the wall. He founded the town near the Missouri River and the military post known as Fort Leavenworth also known as “the post that opened the west.”

C.J. Gift Co.

Nearly all of the buildings located in downtown Leavenworth are historic architecture. C. J. Gift Co. (30 Delaware Street), a home decor boutique, is located in an old bank building.

While there are many boutiques and antique stores in the historic shopping district, I’m a repeat visitor of C.J. Gift Co. I never leave empty-handed.

If you’re in search of a gift for yourself or your best friend, stop here to pick up unique seasonal decor items, jewelry, or candles. Not sure what to buy the sports fan in your life? Their shelves are also stocked with collegiate gear. Because the town is the home of Fort Leavenworth, C.J. Gift Co. has home decor items specifically designed for military families.

The husband and wife team is incredibly friendly and helpful. During my visit, I wasn’t finding what I was looking for right away. Thinking she didn’t carry the particular item, she returned from the back of the store with exactly the kitchen decor item I wanted. Not only that, she packaged it up so it would travel home with me without breaking.

When in Leavenworth, make your way to the boutique to do a little shopping. Check their store hours and upcoming events here.

Z&M TWISTED VINEYARD & TASTING ROOM

Everywhere you turn in Leavenworth, there is a business or group that proudly supports the military. Z&M Twisted Vineyard & Tasting Room (620 Cherokee St.) is no different. They partner with Homegrown by Heroes and Farmer Veteran Coalition Kansas to produce locally sourced wine.

The veteran-owned and operated winery’s tasting room is centrally located downtown across from Hay Market Square. They are open for wine tastings and retail shopping. I chose a seat at the tasting room counter and ordered the Tasting of the Month, a flight of five selections.

The wines were tasty and worth trying, however, I appreciated the Mulled Wine the most for its spicy, seasonal flavor. All of the wines were unique, especially Hellfire, which is made with jalapeños providing surprising heat with each sip.

A flight lets you discover a wine that you will appreciate the most – take home a bottle for your personal collection. They also sell jarred jellies and gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life. Plan a visit to the tasting room by viewing their hours here. Call head to book group visits and reserve space for events.

LUNCH

FIRST CITY CHEESE MARKET

If wine had a partner in crime, it would be cheese. Directly next door to Z&M Twisted Vineyard is First City Cheese Market (610 Cherokee St.). Walking into the shop is like stepping into heaven if you’re a cheese lover like me. Refrigerated cases are full of artisan cheese wheels, sausage, and samples ready for tasting.

Several business owners around town told me that I’d love the food at First City Cheese Market. Still feeling full from my mega breakfast, I ordered a grab-n-go charcuterie cup consisting of cheese, crackers, grapes, and nuts.

The staff makes gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches Tuesday-Saturday and serves a Soup of the Day. You can expect fine cheese stacked atop sandwiches like Gobble-Gobble made with smoked turkey or the Roast Beef Explosion prepared with cheddar cheese and spicy horseradish. Be sure to ask the staff about the monthly sandwich specials priced at $9.99/each.

Also a retail space stocked with top-of-the-line kitchen gadgets and specialty foods, shop First City Cheese Market for household essentials while waiting for your lunch to be prepared. They also sell 24 different whole bean coffees by the pound.

C.W. PARKER CAROUSEL MUSEUM

It’s been a long time since I feel the pure joy I experienced as a playful kid, but I felt it again at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (320 S. Esplanade St). Tucked away at the edge of downtown, a massive building is a home to a beautifully restored, fully operational carousel built in 1913.

With my feet kicked up and smiling with glee, I rode the carousel and felt like a kid again.

You can also take a ride on the carousel for the price of admission to the museum. Named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, it has 24 horses, four chariots, and a Wurlitzer band organ donated by one of the town’s most famous residents and musicians, Melissa Etheridge.

Volunteers operate the museum and happily give guided tours to visitors. Parker started a career manufacturing amusement park rides including carousels. Also known as the “Carnival King,” he built his first carousel in 1892 and started the company two years later eventually moving it to Leavenworth. In fact, Leavenworth has produced more carousels than any other city in the world. He was a millionaire by age 30.

Perhaps you’ve ridden another one of his carousels at the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene?

The corn cob and jackrabbit symbol designed on some of the Parker carousel horses are some of his design trademarks.

Opened in 2005, the museum tour begins with a 15-minute film in the theatre room to learn the history of Parker and his company. During my visit, a gracious volunteer took me on a tour of historical photos and pointed out the intricate work done by volunteers to bring the beauty of the carousel horses back to life.

The museum’s upstairs gallery is a showroom of historical photographs, carousel horses, and advertisements from 1850s amusement parks. (Pro Tip: Ask to see the woodshop where the work is done to restore each carousel horse.)

The facility is also home to two other carousels including the oldest known working American carousel. The Primitive Carousel (pictured below) is believed to have been made before the Civil War between 1850-1860. Each horse was made from eight pieces of wood.

I know you’ll smile ear-to-ear during your visit to the museum as well. The volunteers and I became instant friends. It’s a rewarding experience for the entire family.

Get a glimpse of what you can expect by watching this entertaining video or to plan your visit and view the museum’s hours, visit the Facebook page.

LEAVENWORTH LANDING PARK

Directly across the street from C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is the Leavenworth Landing Park (2 Cherokee St.). A quarter-mile parkway with beautiful landscaping along the Missouri River, visitors and locals can stroll the walkway with scenic views. If you’re lucky, you may spot an eagle in flight.

Symbolic sculptures reference riverboats, railroads, and wagon escorts. Scan the information kiosks along the trail to listen to an audio tour guide. Keep in mind, the park serves as the entrance to the Three-Mile-Creek Trail ideal for walking and biking no matter your skill level.

CARROLL MANSION

One of the top attractions in Leavenworth is the Carroll Mansion (1128 5th Ave.).  The Queen Ann Victorian home is listed on the National Historic Register and is the oldest continuously operating museum in the county. Built in the 1880s, it is worth seeing up close for its beautiful stained glass windows, opulent furnishings, and hand-carved woodwork.

My guided tour was led by a member of the Leavenworth County Historical Society. Unlike some of the restored mansions I’ve toured in Kansas, this one was different because several families had lived in the mansion at different times prior to it becoming a museum.

The home itself had underground multiple expansions over the years. In fact, it was initially a farmhouse for the Foster family in 1858. Over the years each family added to its square footage.

Each room is filled with elegant antiques from the Victorian era. Large mirrors, long curtains that pooled up on the floor, and a Victrola are symbolic of the Victorian style of the time. I was silenced by the beauty of the study’s handcrafted built-in bookshelves and lavish fireplace. (Pro Tip: Look for the framed map of Leavenworth on the wall of the study.)Guided tours take about an hour. Open Tuesday-Saturday, admission is $6 and worth every penny. Touring the mansion allows you to virtually step back in time when the town’s most prominent residents spent their wealth on lavish homes and furnishings. Be sure to ask about the dog statue situated on the front lawn. It’s an entertaining story.

Keep in mind that the town hosts a Historic Homes Tour at Fort Leavenworth in April if you want to combine both tours in one visit to town. Plan your visit to the Carroll Mansion here.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE’S CHILDHOOD HOME

Leavenworth is the hometown of singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. She was born there and lived in the town until 1979. Many of her songs reference Kansas.

Out of curiosity, I drove to her childhood home (1902 Miami St.) to take a look at it. It was a modest middle-income neighborhood that included a nice park. If you decide to include the home as part of your Hometown Tour, download the brochure that details all 15 stops in Leavenworth here.

DINNER

LUIGI’S 418 ITALIAN RESTAURANT

After a full day of exploring Leavenworth, I was excited to dine at a restaurant that I had spied on social media and heard good things about, Luigi’s 418 (418 Cherokee). Even though I arrived during the onset of the dinner hour, the hostess was already greeting a short line of waiting customers. I opted for a seat at the bar for instant service.

The ambiance was sophisticated without trying too hard. Shelves of wine bottles decorated the wall near the bar. Seating encompassed the entire bar while patrons in the dining room sat at windows seats facing historic downtown.

All of your go-to Italian entree classics are available on the menu. I was warned the portions were big, and the bartender wasn’t kidding. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten so much of the herbed garlic bread. It was irresistible.

The Picatta pasta arrived in an oversized bowl. Prepared with spaghetti and a white wine sauce, it was topped with copious amounts of capers, tomatoes, and chicken.

I concluded my dining experience with a chilled glass of Limoncello liqueur, which I’m told the owner makes herself. It’s essentially infused vodka. The traditionally Mediterranean drink is a staple in Italian households. I appreciated the smooth, authentic lemon flavor.

Sitting at the bar, I was privy to the hustle and bustle of the waitstaff. The phone rings constantly with to-go orders. Luigi’s 418 is a popular restaurant for a reason. The delicious food the courteous staff makes it one of the most highly recommended restaurants in town.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT

I retired to my hotel for the night all the while thinking of the places I look forward to visiting in Leavenworth given more time. Fort Leavenworth National Cemetary. Lewis and Clark Center. Leavenworth Antique Mall. Sis’ Sweets for a cupcake.

I certainly will return to Kansas’ “First City.” There are just too many things to love about Leavenworth.

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: Army, calvary, carousel, Carroll Mansion, cheese, depot, Etheridge, First City, Fort Leavenworth, Italian, Leavenworth, Lewis and Clark, limoncello, Luigi's, mansion, military, Missouri River, pasta, railroad, Santa Fe, soldier, wine, winery

How to Build a Savory Charcuterie Board

December 14, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Why is it that charcuterie boards are all the rage these days? They are trending in a big way on Pinterest and if you’ve glanced at any foodie’s Instagram feed, you’re likely to see a colorful board built of various finger foods.

The answer is simple — charcuterie boards are a fabulous way to serve others a beautifully assembled meal without cooking a single thing! Better yet, designing a charcuterie board is a blast because you’re literally playing with food to arrange it in an eye appealing way.

So, how do you know what items to source for your board? The key to building any savory charcuterie board is to think in categories when selecting the items to include: 1.) briny or acidic foods 2.) creamy and hard cheeses 3.) sliced deli meats. You want the items selected to complement each other in taste and texture. For example, pickles or artisan olives are a great follow to a rich cheese and cracker combination.

For my ultimate savory charcuterie board, I added another layer of interest. Some of my items are sourced from Kansas farmers or small food businesses while the others came mostly from Trader Joe’s. I’m passionate about supporting small business and several of the below mentioned companies were nice enough to gift me with their items.

What locally sourced gourmet foods could you add to your board?

I went BIG on this spread! The quantity of ingredients in this board could easily feed 2-4 people. We like to substitute a beautiful charcuterie platter for our usual dinner meal a couple Friday evenings a month because I don’t want to cook at the end of the week!

Here’s a rundown of the assorted items and where to buy them:

CRACKERS:

  • Brioche Toasts (Trader Joe’s) covered in roasted garlic from Orie’s Farm Fresh
  • Pita Bite Crackers (Trader Joe’s)
  • Golden Rounds (Trader Joe’s)
  • Great Value Rosemary Crackers (Walmart)

CHEESES:

  • Sliced Medium Cheddar (Walmart)
  • Cream Cheese Spread mixed with Cajun Marinade from Kansas Flavor
  • Honey Goat Cheese (Trader Joe’s) covered in Beesponsible Wildflower Honey
  • The Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb Cheese (Walmart) topped with fresh baby dill
  • Sliced White Cheddar (Private Selection from Kroger)

PROTEINS:

  • Smoked Salmon Slices (Walmart)
  • Salami (Trader Joe’s)
  • Prosciutto (Trader Joe’s)
  • Pepperoni (Trader Joe’s)

NUTS & CRUNCH:

  • Salted Pistachios (Trader Joe’s)
  • Toasted Corn Nuts (The Farris Wheel)
  • Cheese Pizza Gourmet Popcorn (Kernel’s Popcorn Express)

FRUITS & VEGGIES:

  • Pickles Brussel Sprouts (Urban Prairie)
  • Sliced Tomatoes sprinkled with Smoked Garlic Salt (Orie’s Farm Fresh)
  • Jalapeño Mustard (Urban Prairie)
  • Fig Jam (Trader Joe’s)
  • Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (Trader Joe’s)
  • Artichoke Hearts Segments (Trader Joe’s)
  • Clementine Orange Segments
  • Pink Lady Apple Slices
  • Dried Cranberries

I recommend a dry red wine to enjoy with it such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. We sipped on 2018 Happy Camper while nibbling on the delightful spread.

In the market for a serving board? I used a bamboo cutting board and a pizza board with a handle, which worked perfectly!

While the specific items chosen for our charcuterie board appeal to us, you should customize your selection to your taste. It’s really just an excuse to try new gourmet foods paired with your tried and true favorites.

Have a delightful time shopping for ingredients and designing an epic board of your own!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Taste Tagged With: appetizer, charcuterie, charcuterie board, cheese, deli, deli meats, entertaining, fruit, gourmet, Kansas, plating, platter, Trader Joe's, wine and cheese

5 Ways I Spoil Myself + Self-Care Tips for You

March 5, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Sometimes you have to put yourself first.

Pampering yourself is necessary to regain perspective, to boost your confidence, and to hit the reset button now and then. If that means that you spoil yourself by splurging on a night out with friends or restocking your closet with a new wardrobe, then by all means – celebrate you!

I used to do nice things for myself only when I thought I deserved it. For example, if I passed a major college exam or got a raise at work, I would convince myself I had “earned” the right to do spoil myself. As I matured, I realized that self-preservation doesn’t mean I have to justify buying a new spring wardrobe or a vacation somewhere. Giving back to yourself is a part of self-care.

Is it time for you to pay it forward to yourself?

I bet you’re like me in that you give so much of yourself to work, family, and your household that you seldom give thought to yourself and how you’re feeling. Time constraints keep so many of us from giving back to ourselves. Check out 5 Ways I Spoil Myself below and I’ll bet you discover at least one way you to pamper yourself without spending a ton of time doing it!

  1. Birthday Meal. I always treat myself to a delicious lunch at one of my favorite restaurants on my birthday. Even if I have to dine alone, because all of my favorite people are stuck at work, I’ll dine on my city’s best nachos, fattoush salad, or pizza. In my twenties, I once filled an entire table at The Mad Greek in Lawrence, Kansas with a spread of Mediterranean  favorites including a cocktail on my birthday! Why? Because I was celebrating me!
  2. StitchFix. Life is too short for me to spend another minute hating myself for having to cut through crowds at the mall to find staple clothing items. Enter…StitchFix! Every month I receive my “fix” in the mail that includes five clothing or accessories to add to my closet. I’m like a kid on Christmas when the green and white box arrives with hand-selected items from my personal stylist. If I don’t like something, I simply mail it back. It’s great!
  3. Hair Color. The first time I had an Aveda stylist color my hair and give me a scalp massage at the shampoo bowl, I was hooked. I didn’t need to spend another minute contemplating hair color options in the drugstore aisle. Now my trusted stylist colors my hair and you can see the difference. The cost of paying a professional to color my hair leaves it feeling soft and looking healthy.
  4. Flowers. Ain’t nobody got time to wait for someone else to buy them flowers! Buy them for yourself! Every month I purchase a bouquet of marked down flowers to add to our home. It makes me happy to see bright colors across the room and that level happiness is worth $5 any day.
  5. Gourmet Food. You know me, I love yummy food. So it’s no surprise that I would spoil myself by throwing some fancy cheese or a few expensive condiments into my shopping cart. Why deny yourself sushi or fresh mozzarella? Just buy it every once in a while and relish in the satisfaction of your purchase while you devour it!

You deserve to walk around in this world a happier person even if it means going the extra mile to spoil yourself. I’m not suggesting you waste your next paycheck on all of your favorite things in the name of “self-care.” Instead, select one or two activities that bring you joy and add them into your life on a regular basis. You’ll feel more delightful overall!

 

Filed Under: DIY, Lifestyle Tagged With: Aveda, bouquet, cheese, Christmas, clothes, confidence, delightful, drugstore, fix, flowers, fresh flowers, gourmet, gourmet food, Greek, hair color, happy, Kansas, Lawrence, lunch, Mediterranean, mozzarella, pamper, personal stylist, preservation, self-care, shampoo, spoil, StitchFix, stylist, sushi

Lone Star Turkey Chili with Sour Cream and Chives

June 11, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Looks yummy, doesn’t it?

When you’d rather get dinner on the table so you enjoy time with the family outside, this is your new go-to meal. Chili is not just a winter meal. It’s a versatile dish with many options for eating it: layered on top of a grilled hotdog, poured over bowtie pasta, inside an empanada or as the base of Frito pie.

I prefer a thick tomato based chili served as the base for a multitude of toppings. Lone Star Turkey Chili with Sour Cream and Chives is not a overly spiced chili, but if you want more heat you can add a couple smoked ancho peppers (that will crank up the heat!) to the pot or top a bowl of chili with fresh sliced jalapenos. Because people like their chili with different levels of heat, I keep it simple and provide options for toppings, like a “buffet o’ heat” ranging from bottled sriracha to sliced peppers. The sour cream cools of the heat and balances the acidic tomato flavor.

My recipe gets its name from using Texas Jet Lone Star Chili Seasoning, a packet of spices brought home by my boyfriend after a trip to Houston. However, you can make your own chili seasoning with this Taste of Home recipe, if you need it.

Saute the garlic and onions in a tablespoon of melted butter until soft before adding a pound of ground turkey. Over medium heat to medium-high heat, stir the meat with the garlic and onions continuously until it is cooked thoroughly, Because there is no grease to drain (healthier!), you can then add the canned ingredients, mix well, cover and allow to cook on a medium-low simmer until the chili reaches the consistency you prefer for serving (typically about 30 minutes).

Remember to provide options for toppings for your chili fans. I grow fresh herbs in container pots so adding fresh chive was as easy as chopping some and sprinkling them on top of added sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Chives are super simple to grow as long as you provide them partial sun, maintain moist soil, and give them drainage.

This dinner recipe will serve about 6-8 bowls of chili. If cooking for two people, like me, you will have a couple days of leftovers available to pack for lunches or freeze for later use. By preparing Lone Star Turkey Chili with Sour Cream and Chives for dinner tonight, you’ll free yourself from worrying about future meals because you’ll have extra servings on-the-ready when you’re ready to heat and eat. Free up yourself from the confines of the kitchen this summer by making a big batch of this yummy, stovetop chili to feed your family for days!

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6-8 bowls

Lone Star Turkey Chili with Sour Cream and Chives

Chili is a hearty, make-ahead meal that helps keep dinnertime chaos-free for you and your family.

20 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

50 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1 chopped white or yellow onion
  • 1 T butter
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1.5 oz (half a package) Texas Jet Lone Star Chili Seasoning
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1 can chili-ready canned beans (or pinto beans) undrained
  • 1 can chili-ready diced canned tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup water (optional, if you think the chili is too thick)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter and then add onions and garlic over medium heat. Stir continuously until garlic and onions are softened. Add in ground turkey and continue stirring until cooked thoroughly. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and allow the chili to simmer at least 30 minutes. Serve in bowls garnished with sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives.

Notes

Crank up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flake or sriracha while the chile is simmering.

7.8.1.2
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https://onedelightfullife.com/lone-star-turkey-chili-with-sour-cream-and-chives/
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Nutrition

Calories

177 cal

Fat

12 g

Carbs

18 g

Protein

2 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Dinner, Taste Tagged With: ancho chiles, beans, bowl, canned, cheddar, cheese, chili, chili-ready, chives, dinner, garlic, ground turkey, hearty, heat, herbs, jalapenos, leftovers, lone star, make-ahead, meat, onions, seasoning, smoked, sour cream, spices, spicy, sriracha, stovetop, summer, taste of home, Texas, tomato

Tequila Lime Chicken with Pico de Gallo and Fresh Guacamole

May 20, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

I have no problem pretending that some days of the week are food holidays as an excuse to make celebratory food. Life is short. I don’t need rules that say it can’t be just like Super Bowl Sunday or St. Patrick’s Day.

In fact, I declare today a Cinco de Mayo again just so you can make an excuse to prepare Tequila Lime Chicken with Homemade Pico de Gallo and Fresh Guacamole. Grab a cold Tecate and your sombrero because you’ve got some serious kitchen cooking to do!

Topped with homemade pico de gallo, guacamole, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch, Pioneer Woman’s Tequila Lime Chicken goes well with a chilled Mexican beer or my Grilled Pineapple Peach Margarita made with silver tequila.

This grilled chicken dinner is multi-step but worth every moment. Seriously, have you ever purchased store bought guacamole or tried to find pico de gallo on a grocery store’s salad bar? The guacamole tastes artificial and tends to have a mouse-like texture and salad bar pico de gallo is incredibly watery. Fresh is best so don’t hesitate from making homemade guacamole and pico de gallo because the freshness of each one elevates the flavor of this dish.

First, prepare the pico de gallo in advance. Combine equal amounts of diced tomato, white onion, cilantro, and one seeded jalapeno. (Leave the seeds and pulp inside the jalapeno if you prefer more heat.) Once mixed, squeeze a half of a lime into the bowl and mix again to incorporate the juice well.

Now, let’s make the fresh guacamole. Learn how to pick out the perfect avocado here. Take your knife around the outside of each avocado and carefully remove the pit of each one. There’s a new trend called Avocado Hand. Don’t let it happen to you. Be careful! Use a knife to carefully a circle around the outside of the avocado and then cut each half into diced squares so you can scoop the avocado meat out with a spoon into the bowl. Once you’ve added the avocado to the a large bowl, add enough of the pico de gallo to the bowl and mix it gently so you leave it chunky.

Cover the guacamole bowl with plastic wrap and make sure to press the plastic against the guacamole to form a tight seal. This method, and the lime juice in the guacamole, will keep it from browning too dark and it will keep for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Extra guacamole is a good thing. Serve with tortilla scoops chips and a fresh lime wedge.

Finally, let’s tackle the main entree Tequila Lime Chicken. Full disclosure here: this is not my recipe but instead Ree Drummond’s (Pioneer Woman’s) recipe. Her recipe requires you to use a food processor to prepare a creamy tequila based marinade and pour it into a Ziplock bag and then refrigerating it for several hours. You could also use a blender in a pinch.

While you could certainly use a mesquite flavored tequila like Jose Cuervo, I prefer a lighter silver tequila. I can thank college for that preference.

Add all marinade ingredients into a food processor.

Combine marinade ingredients in a food processor and blend well. You don’t want garlic chunks.

Add chicken breasts to marinade.

The alcohol will cook out of the marinade once the chicken is grilled but the flavor will linger. Later, you’ll remove the chicken from the bag and and grill it over medium high heat 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest a couple of minutes before serving it topped with sprinkled taco cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Crumble tortilla chips in your hand add sprinkle them on top for added crunch. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze on top of the entire plate!

Optional sides could include warmed black beans and Mexican rice with folded flour tortillas. Use some of that extra tequila to make my recipe for Grilled Pineapple and Peach Tequila Cocktail.

Mexican food is one of the best culinary experiences that people can have. -Karla Souza

Let me know what you think of these recipes in the comments section below. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Again.

 

Filed Under: Dinner, Taste Tagged With: alcohol, avocado, blender, cheese, chicken breasts, cilantro, Cinco de Mayo, cocktail, condiments, corn tortilla, Cuervo, Cuisinart, fiesta, food processor, garlic, grill, grilled, grilling, guacamole, herbs, hispanic, holiday, jalapeno, lime, lime juice, lime wedge, margarita, marinade, mexican, olive oil, onion, peach, pepper, pico de gallo, pineapple, pioneer woman, plastic wrap, salt and pepper, tequila, tomato, vegetables

Indoor Grilled Corn with White Cheddar Stuffed Sliders

July 21, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

You know it’s hot outside when you don’t even want to grill out.

The kind of heat that zaps your energy. Even your dog doesn’t even want to go out in it. My pup gave me crazy eyes when I tried to prompt her to walk to the mailbox with me mid-afternoon. It was 102 degree here yesterday and there was no way I was going to hang out over a hot flame to make one of my summer favorites, the All-American beef burger, for dinner. Then a bright idea popped into my head and I decided to use my cast iron ridged grill pan to make Indoor Grilled Corn with White Cheddar Stuffed Sliders. Problem solved.

When it’s a scorcher outside but you still want that charred flavor, bring the fun inside and enjoy some air conditioning (and maybe a cold one if you’re so inclined) while grilling on your stovetop. You’ll need a cast iron grill pan, which can be purchased at any big box store.

Reminiscent of a Juicy Lucy burger, this meaty slider is stuffed with white sharp cheddar and goes perfectly with caramelized grilled corn.
Reminiscent of a Juicy Lucy burger, this meaty slider is stuffed with white sharp cheddar and goes perfectly with caramelized grilled corn.

Selecting fresh corn on the cob should be pretty easy, right? All the pros tell you to peel back the top of the husk and peek inside at the kernels. If the kernels are bright in color and huge, buy it. If you have a minute, remove the husks while standing in the produce section to guarantee that you’re buying healthy-looking corn.

Tip: Having trouble shucking every bit of the husk silks from the corn before grilling? Rub a new toothbrush along the kernels to remove easily remove the silk.
Tip: Having trouble shucking every bit of the husk silks from the corn before grilling? Rub a new toothbrush along the kernels to remove easily remove the silk.

After cleaning the corn, brush each cob with a light coating of olive oil. Bring the grill pan to medium high heat, turn on the vent hood on low, and grab those tongs. You’re about to make amazing caramelized corn indoors!

Since you're grilling indoors on the stove, remember to turn on the hood vent on low to catch any smoke.

Top your finished corn with a quick mixture of garlic chive butter. I used 3 T. butter with 1 tsp chopped fresh chives and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.

Top your corn with any one of the season butters as listed in this butter recipe post.
Top your corn with any one of the season butters as listed in my previous post Flavored Butter 4 Ways.

Below is my recipe for White Cheddar Stuffed Sliders, which are incredibly juicy and easy to make after removing the corn from the grill pan. (You will need to reduce the heat to medium.) Prep this hamburger mixture recipe in advance of grilling the corn. Use a tip I learned from Ina Garten and mix the burger mixture with a fork and not your hands. Nobody likes a burger with the texture of a hockey puck and this tip leaves your burgers fat and juicy. Using 90-10 ground beef is less fattening so you won’t have as much smoke when grilling indoors.

Leave space between your sliders.
Leave space between your sliders.

Do you see that glorious oozy goozy cheddar cheese?
Do you see that glorious oozy goozy cheddar cheese?

grilled-corn-hamburgers6
Clearly we like ketchup at our house. The only dill pickle that makes my plate is a Claussen kosher dill spear. Their jars are packed with flavorful pickles that snap when you eat them. Save any leftover pickle juice for Saturday morning bloody marys.


onedelightfullife.com

Serves 4 sliders

Indoor Grilled Corn with White Cheddar Stuffed Sliders

If you can't take the heat, get away from the grill? Try caramelized grilled corn and juicy burgers made INDOORS!

20 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

40 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 90/10 ground beef
  • 2 T. French's Chardonnay dijon mustard
  • 2 diced garlic cloves
  • 1 T Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning
  • 2 chopped slices of sharp white aged cheddar
  • heavy pinch pepper
  • 2 T. butter

Instructions

  1. Add all of your ingredients, except the butter and the cheese, into a large bowl.
  2. Slowly incorporate the ingredients using a fork-not your hands!
  3. After thoroughly mixed remove the fork and form four small burger patties with your hands.
  4. Create a divot inside each patty with your thumb and place cheddar cheese inside.
  5. Fold up the edges of each patty around the burger to re-form it. Set all four patties on a plate.
  6. Brush butter on the outside of both sides of each patty.
  7. Heat a indoor cast iron grill pan to medium heat.
  8. Place all patties in the pan and grill 5-6 minutes on each side. Don't move them until you can do so easily when nudging a spatula underneath them. Don't smash the burger with the back of the spatula either!

Notes

You can swap any cheese for the sharp white aged cheddar.
The brushed on butter gives the sliders a bit of a crispier outside crust.

7.8.1.2
34

https://onedelightfullife.com/indoor-grilled-corn-with-white-cheddar-stuffed-sliders/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

285 cal

Fat

25 g

Carbs

2 g

Protein

14 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info


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Filed Under: Dinner, Grilled, Taste Tagged With: cast iron, cheddar, cheese, chive, Claussen, dill pickle, garlic, garlic chive butter, grilled, grilled corn, grilling, hamburgers, herb butter, indoor grilling, sharp white cheddar, sliders, summer grilling

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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