New Year, New Challenges

The year 2013 nearly two months in with some changes and new challenges.  I've been on a freelancing frenzy, traveled to two different states, and started a really awesome new years resolution.

I chose this year to retry some foods that I always avoided, because I "didn't like them."  Flavors that I didn't like as a kid, textures that I didn't want to touch have kept me from enjoying dinner parties and other outings were I was limited with choices.  I've started to order some items at restaurants, or nibble off of a friend's meal, but I figured 'What better way than to cook it myself!'

I tried oysters!!  They were actually delicious.  Can't believe I missed out all these years.

I hate oranges.  I've never liked the pulp, texture, and the flavor in orange juice, yet I somehow always order orange chicken at Chinese restaurants.  I know that the majority of restaurant orange chicken has 100s of added flavors to it, so I never noticed, so I opted for a healthier, striped down version.

Orange Ginger Chicken with Broccoli and White Rice

I stir-fried together a light Orange Chicken with Broccoli with a side of white rice and it was DELICIOUS.  I can totally handle the flavor of the orange juice and it blended well with the other ingredients without overpowering the dish.  Recipe below.

Serves 2

2           Chicken Breasts
1/2        Onion, chopped
1 Cup   Broccoli, in pieces
1 Pkge  Rice
1tsp      Canola oil

Marinade
1           Orange, rind grated and juiced
1Tbsp   Grated Ginger
1tsp      Honey
1/2 tsp  Sriracha Sauce
(or adjust to your liking)

Cut chicken into cubes and season with salt and pepper, set aside.  In a medium bowl add the grated rind and juice of the orange, grated ginger, honey, and sriracha sauce and mix well.  Set aside a small section of the marinade and add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce and allow it to sit for a half hour to two hours.

Prepare rice according to the box instructions.

Place oil on a frying pan and set to medium heat.  saute the onions until slightly brown and translucent and add the broccoli and chicken and saute until the chicken is cooked through.  Turn to low heat and add the sauce that was set aside for a couple more minutes.

Serve the stir fry with some rice, enjoy!