Asian Chicken Chopped Salad with Egg Roll Croutons and Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

 This is my entry for the “Make Taste Not Waste Challenge”. Being creative and making something out of what might normally be tossed out is so important in reducing food waste, keeping your grocery budget in check and being environmentally friendly. For this dish, I raided the fridge and found a few left-over take-out egg rolls, the last bit of rotisserie chicken, those cut up veggies that didn’t get finished from a crudite platter and all of those leafy greens that can easily be ignored until they wilt and get tossed. Slice the egg rolls, toast them until crunchy and bake them for crispy croutons, toss together the veggies and chicken in a delicious creamy dressing made with Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce and dig in!

Asian Chicken Chopped Salad with Egg Roll Croutons and Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette 

2 egg rolls

3 Tablespoons Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce

1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

¾ teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups leafy greens (I used a mix of leftover romaine, cabbage and baby spinach)

1 cup sliced crunchy veggies (I used a mix of carrots, red bell peppers and jalapeno pepper)

¼ cup sliced green onion

1 cup leftover shredded rotisserie chicken

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice the egg roll into 1-inch pieces and bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the Hellmann’s Cilantro Lime Sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar until smooth. 

Add the green leafy vegetables (I used a mix of leftover romaine, cabbage and baby spinach), sliced crunchy veggies (I used a mix of carrots, red bell peppers and jalapeno pepper), sliced green onions and the shredded chicken and toss to coat.

Pour the mixture onto a serving plate, top with the crispy egg roll croutons and serve.

#MakeTasteNotWaste #GameDay #ContestEntry #Hellmanns 

Herbed Ricotta Won Ton Tortellini with Chili Crisp Tomato Sauce and Mint

Just because many of us are staying home on Valentine's Day this year, doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a fabulous fancy dinner worthy of some good bubbly at home. 

This is my entry for the “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge” which is asking for “Asian Fusion” inspired appetizers for a holiday and I'm really proud to share this creation which I think is the perfect starter to your at home Valentine's Day dinner!

I used Won Ton skins in place of pasta sheets to create tender tortellini filled with tons of herbs, whipped ricotta cheese and  parmesan. These delicious dumplings are drizzled with a fresh tomato salad spiked with crispy crunchy Asian chili crisp and fresh mint. Think of it as an Asian Fusion Caprese salad!

Herbed Ricotta Won Ton Tortellini with Chili Crisp Tomato Sauce and Mint

1 cup ricotta

¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 egg 

20 Twin Dragon Won Ton Wrappers 

1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, sliced

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon jarred chili crisp

¼ teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon salt 

1 teaspoon jarred chili crisp

4 teaspoons torn fresh mint leaves

Bring a large pot of water up to a boil.

In a small mixing bowl whip together the ricotta, shredded parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, tarragon, lemon zest, salt and pepper until smooth.

Whisk the egg and 1 teaspoon of water in a small dish.

Working in batches, place wonton skins on a large cutting board, brush all the edges lightly with some of the egg mixture and spoon about 1 Tablespoon of the filling in the center of each. Fold one corner over and pinch to create a triangle. Gently press the edges together, pushing any excess air out, sealing it well. Take the two bottom corners and gently pull them together, pressing to seal, using a dab of egg wash if needed. Place the filled and formed tortellini on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and cover with a lightly dampened paper towel until ready to cook.

In a small mixing bowl gently stir together the sliced cherry tomatoes, honey, chili crisp and salt. Set aside to marinate at room temperature.

Lower the heat on the water to a simmer and stir in the salt. Give the water a good stir to create a whirlpool effect and quickly drop half of the tortellini in one by one, stirring gently to separate them as they hit the water. Allow the tortellini to cook for 2 - 3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and set on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortellini.

Once all the tortellini are cooked, place 5 cooked tortellini on 4 small appetizer or salad plates. Spoon the marinated tomatoes on top of each serving and drizzle each plate with the remaining marinated tomato juice, sprinkle with fresh mint and remaining chili crisp and serve immediately. 

I am participating in JSL Foods “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge”. This contest is asking for “Asian Fusion” inspired appetizers for the holidays and I'm really proud to share this creation. Whether it's a Birthday, Anniversary or Valentine's Day this dish is sure to be a show stopper!

You can follow JSL Foods on their website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram 

You can find Twin Dragon Wrappers at Walmart, Albertsons, Shaw's, Von's, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Associated Stores, Giant Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper. If you don't see them in your local store, ask them to carry Twin Dragon Wrapper products! Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers are Vegan and Non-GMO. Plus, they are manufactured with no artificial preservatives. 

The wrappers hold up when boiled steamed or fried. Attributes include low oil absorption, even browning and when fried, small bubbles. You will be surprised how easy they are to work with.

#twindragonwrappers #wontons  #eggrolls #potstickers #TwinDragon #ChefYaki

Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch

The Super Bowl is on Sunday and I don't know if you're all about football or all about the food but I am definitely team snacks all the way. If you don't care at all about the game, here's something to be excited about - Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch!

Crispy egg roll wrappers are stuffed with bacon, BBQ sauce, shredded chicken and 2 kinds of cheese. The shredded sharp cheddar gets all melty and saucy when the egg rolls are frying and then the pockets of cubed pepper jack gives you those gorgeous cheese pulls that will keep your attention while you're waiting for the next commercial to come on. And do I really need to tell you how good Pickled Jalapeno Ranch is? I hope not, because I think the name itself tells you how awesome it is and I won't be mad if you make extra for tacos, as a salad dressing, veggie dip or literally anything else you have nearby to dip into it.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon BBQ Egg Rolls with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch 

6 cups vegetable oil

1 cup ranch dressing

½ cup jarred sliced mild pickled jalapenos

¼ cup chopped green onion

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

¾ cup barbecue sauce 

½ cup cooked, chopped bacon

1 ½ cup pepper jack cheese, cut into ¼ inch cubes

1 ½ cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

12 Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers

In an electric fryer or large high sided skillet fitted with a candy thermometer, bring the oil up to 375 degrees over medium high heat.

Place the ranch dressing, pickled jalapenos and green onions in a small food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a serving bowl.

Place the chicken, barbecue sauce, bacon and cheeses in a small mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a large cutting board with one corner of the wrapper pointing toward you and lightly moisten all 4 edges with water. Place ¼ to 1/3 cup of the filling just below the center of the wrapper.  Fold bottom corner over mixture, fold sides in, and roll up tightly.

Working in batches, fry the egg rolls for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Serve with the Pickled Jalapeno Ranch sauce for dipping.

Makes 12 egg rolls

I am participating in JSL Foods “Twin Dragon Asian Wrapper Recipe Challenge” and this is my entry for Game Day Appetizers

You can follow JSL Foods on their website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram 

You can find Twin Dragon Wrappers at Walmart, Albertsons, Shaw's, Von's, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Associated Stores, Giant Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper. If you don't see them in your local store, ask them to carry Twin Dragon Wrapper products! Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers are Vegan and Non-GMO. Plus, they are manufactured with no artificial preservatives. 

The wrappers hold up when boiled steamed or fried. Attributes include low oil absorption, even browning and when fried, small bubbles. You will be surprised how easy they are to work with.

#twindragonwrappers #wontons  #eggrolls #potstickers #TwinDragon #ChefYaki