2010-06-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Lemon Chicken

Takes 10mins to prepare, 45mins to cook!

This is a recipe that you WILL use over and over again, simply because it is delicious economical and very easy to prepare and cook.

My husband used to cook this on a regular basis when he was single because it was such a breeze.

So, if you are one of these people who claim to be unable to cook anything, give it a go, you can't go wrong.

For this recipe the cheapest joints work the best, so use either drumsticks or thighs.

INGREDIENTS (TO SERVE 2)

6-8 chicken portions
4 really ripe lemons
2 garlic cloves
1tbs honey
1-2 small red chillies

1. Place chicken joints (skin left on) in a large shallow dish.

2. Halve lemons, squeeze juice into a small bowl and keep lemon skins.

3. Peel and crush the garlic and add to lemon juice.

4. Halve chillies length ways and remove seeds. Chop and add to lemon juice along with the honey. Stir well.

5. Pour over chicken and tuck the lemon halves (skins) around dish in-between the chicken.

6. Cover with Cling film stick in fridge and marinate for at least two hours, turning once or twice.

7. Preheat oven to 200 deg centigrade and cook for 45mins or until golden brown.

I have found that if you leave it in the oven a little longer, the darker the skin (in fact it even looks burned) the better the taste.

Serve on a bed of boiled rice.

You can leave the chili seeds in if you like for a hotter dish.

I usually put the lemons in the microwave on full power for about 30-45 secs before I cut them in half, this allows you to get more juice from them.

When you serve, place the lemon skins on the side of the plate, they are so soft and juicy and contain lots of lemon and garlic juice.

You definitely won't have any leftovers with this dish and make sure that you prepare plenty of rice because you will want to enjoy every drop of that lemon juice.

Enjoy!

(Photos to follow soon)

2010-06-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Mince and Baked Bean Bake

Midweek meal, quick, cheap, substantial, easy, shall I go on?

Ok, when you have been working all day most people don't want to be stuck in the kitchen preparing meals, so this is a nice easy recipe just for you.

Let's face it, although frozen food is convenient it is expensive.

So, why not try this recipe, it doesn't take long to cook or cost the earth but it is a good 'tummy filler'.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

1 lb minced beef
1 onion finely chopped
1 beef stock cube/granules
half can baked beans
3 tbs water or tomato juice
salt and pepper
1 lb potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
a little grated cheese

1. Place the beef and onion into a 3pint casserole dish (medium sized one).

2. Stir well and microwave uncovered on full for 3 mins.

3. Stir and drain off excess fat. Add the crumbled stock cube or gravy granules, beans and water or tomato juice.

4. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
Arrange potato slices over the surface to cover all of the mince.

5. Cover with a lid and microwave on power 7 ie between full and medium for 20 minutes.

6. Sprinkle the cheese on top and return to the microwave for 2 mins of full power then place under the grill to brown.

Now I have tried this recipe in different microwaves (650watt/800watt) and it still seems to take the same length of time to cook.

If you are not sure, just place the tip of a sharp knife through the potatoes, it should glide through.

I sometimes add a couple of squirts of tomato ketchup to thicken and give an extra richness to it.

This is a great comfort food with not too many calories so go on, give it a try.

Happy Eating!

(Photos to follow soon)

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