Chicken Pastries

Every once and a while I come across a meal I just fall in love with instantly... these Chicken Pastries would fall into that category. I recently was made this delightful little dish from a friend (who is now my best. friend.) 

So want to make some people call you their new best friend?! Of course-who doesn't want more friends!? To accomplish that you need to make them this recipe!

In a small bowl mix together:

-2 TBSP. low-fat cream cheese

-1 TBSP. butter (or margarine)

-1 TBSP. Greek yogurt

-1 TBSP. non-fat sour cream

-1 TBSP. milk

-minced garlic (to your liking, I used 1 TBSP)

-1/2 finely chopped onion

-dash of salt, pepper and Italian seasoning

...you can also get the oven pre-heating on 350* at this time

It will start looking like this!

Then add 2 cups cooked, cooled and chopped chicken (about 3-4 chicken breasts)

Then the magic starts to happen....

Take one small package of crescent rolls (one that makes 8 rolls) and pinch the edges of all 8 little triangles together to create one big sheet (you could also just buy the crescent roll in sheet form, or a sheet of puff pastry dough)

Roll out and cut into 6 equal sized squares

Place 1/6 of the chicken mixture to each square of dough and place onto a greased baking sheet.

Pinch up the sides of the pastries to create a little package (package full of deliciousness!), like so:

No you can leave them un-adulterated, or spray with a little cooking spray and sprinkle with:

-parmesan cheese

-bread crumbs

-Italian seasoning

-mixture of all three!

Then just place in oven and bake for about 25 minutes

Viola-an easy, 30-minute-meal that is sure to impress!

Cinnamon Rolls

Is there anything more comforting in this world than a warm carb-product. No. No there is not and if anyone would like to argue with me, well then... ok-I'd probably just ignore it because I am very un-confrontational 

But nonetheless! Just look at this....

Mmmmm, right? 

These amazing, soft, gooey and oh-so delicious cinnamon rolls are the absolute BEST cinnamon rolls I have ever had in my life. But, unfortunately I cannot claim them- my sister made these creations. 

The best part? (ok, aside from the taste) is the fact that they are ubber easy to make- she makes them in a bread machine! Sweet huh?!

To get this recipe (and a bunch of other great recipes) go to her website here. She's awesome. And I know-she is my sister after all! :)

Wheat Buns

Is anything better than fresh, homemade bread (or any bread-like product) coming from your oven? Ummm...no! Definitely not! I don't care if it is bread, bread sticks, buns, rolls, kolaches, pretty much any yeast-y/flour-y product that is concocted in your kitchen and perfectly transformed in your oven will fit the bill! It will leave your entire kitchen, no-house smelling divine! But of course, if the yeasty goodness is good for you as well-it is double-ly enjoyable!

I can guarantee that these homemade dinner wheat buns will fit both bills! They are soft, warm, fluffy, AND nutritious! Almost too good to be true...almost... (but thankfully for both of us they are true and can be all yours when you create them in your own kitchen!)

Do not be put off by the long-ish list of ingredients or steps...they are very simple to make (fool-proof obviously if I can handle them!) and oh so worth it!

Ingredients: 

1 2/3 cups warm water

3 TBSP powdered milk

1/2 cup shortening (or butter) melted

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp. salt

2 small eggs

2 pkg. yeast

1/2 cup potato flakes

6 (at least) cups flour

Here's what you do:

1. Combine the warm water with the yeast to proof (this ensures your yeast will work for you!)

2. Add the melted (but NOT scorching hot shortening/butter, powdered milk, brown sugar and salt

3. Mix well (in stand mixer preferably)

4. Add eggs and mix until they are incorporated 

5. Add potato flakes; let sit undisturbed for 3 minutes

6. Begin adding flour a little at a time (if using a stand mixer switch to your kneading paddle after about 2 cups have been added); if you are going to knead by hand only mix in about 3-4 cups of flour before starting to knead in the rest by hand

7. Place in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour)

8. Punch down

9. Shape into desired sizes/shapes (rolls...bread sticks..buns...whatever you'd like!)

10. Place in a greased baking dish, cover and let rise another hour

11. When risen (about doubled) place in oven

12. Turn oven to 350* (yes, your wheat buns will be in there while the oven heats up-that's what we want!)

13. Once oven has reached 350* your rolls will stay in for about 10 more minutes or until they are golden brown

14. Remove from oven, let cool about 5 minutes before removing from pan and ENJOY!

Oh my... these are so light and fluffy, you will probably mistake them and start thinking you're eating a cloud...

Nutritional Info (for 1/32 of recipe-makes a good sized dinner bun)