Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten

Culinary:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and serve hot as a delicious and healthy side dish or main course over cooked rice or noodles.

Classic Margherita Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough ball
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
2. Roll out pizza dough into a circle on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange sliced mozzarella cheese and tomato slices on top of the sauce.
5. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.
3. Top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place another tortilla on top and press down gently.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until tortillas are crispy and golden brown and cheese is melted.
6. Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella cheese slices on a serving platter, alternating them.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.
3. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve at room temperature as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.