Leftovers! Hawaiian Chicken Kabob's turned Pizza!

So part of the silver lining of my husband being gone is being able to cook something simple.  That is why I frequently would turn to good ole fishsticks, mac n cheese, etc. Using leftovers and pre-made pizza crusts I can have something far yummier for the same effort!

So you can see I used store bought pizza crusts, sauce from a can, mozzarella, and the leftovers!  Nothing fancy!  I had a little help too!

I put sauce on the pizza and then added the toppings. I like my toppings under the cheese.  I think that the cheese does a good job of holding everything in place.

Helper was distracted... what do you mean this isn't a phone?!?

Bake according to the directions for the crust and your judgement!  My crusts said 400º for 5 min.  I did that but then turned on the broiler for a minute or two to get the nice golden tops!

Confession:  I did not eat with my daughter tonight.  I sat with her while she ate.  Gave her an early bath and put her to bed.  She has been testing the boundaries for the past few days.  I wanted to enjoy my meal in peace so I waited. Remember a Momma's sanity can be saved by alone time so give yourself the space you need because we all know a toddler won't :)

Here's to No Daddy Dinners! 

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Broccolini

So once again Daddy is TDY, so Mary Ann and I are on our own.  No need to sacrifice a good meal especially after getting a good does of the 'terrible (almost) twos' today! Tonight's menu Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with Broccolini.  This dish is super simple and very yummy!

Start with the kabobs.  Cut your chicken into cube size pieces to be skewered.  Place them in a plastic bag.  Then make a marinade.  Mine consisted of two small cans of pineapple juice, two teaspoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of ginger and a teaspoon of lemongrass. Place all ingredients in the bag with the chicken for 2hours-overnight.

You will also need to prep your fresh pineapple and broccolini.  For the pineapple I cut of the tip and then slice of the sides as thinly as I can while removing the eyes.  For broccolini I trim the bottoms and peel off the leaves.

When you are about 20 minutes away from building your skewers place the wooden skewers in water. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.  After they've sat in water for 20-30 min start your grill on med-high heat.  Be sure to spray with a non-stick grill (nonflammable) spray. Build your skewers alternating the marinated chicken and fresh pieces of pineapple. 

Get those on the grill and then start on the broccolini. Place the broccolini in a skillet with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and red pepper flakes. I want to introduce my daughter to spice early but gradually.  I don't want to eliminate spice from my diet so she needs to learn to like it.  A 1/4 tsp of red pepper flake will add a bit of spice without overwhelming her. Saute in a skillet while the chicken is cooking until done to your liking.  I like it with a little resistance in the bit... al dente, if that term can be applied to broccolini.

The chicken won't take too long, hungry babies won't wait! Turn the skewers two to three times for a total of about 12 - 15 minutes.  When they are done, if you squeeze the chicken with tongs it will feel firm. Take them off and let them rest for about 5 minutes so the juices can re-disburse inside the meat.

For my little girl I give her a little broccolini and one skewer of chicken and pineapple (cut up & of the skewer for starters. She will probably eat more but it's a good start!

Momma's plate

Here's to No Daddy Dinners!

Stay tuned to see how I use the leftovers tomorrow!