Nutella Hot Chocolate!

Hi Foodies!

I wanted to share an easy, yummy hot chocolate recipe with you as the chilly weather sets in.  It includes one of the best ingredients ever - Nutella!  Try it out, and tell me what you think!

Ingredients:

One serving

*1c milk (I used skim because it makes me feel better about topping it off with whipped cream...but use    whatever you like)
* 1 or 2tbsp Nutella, depending on how sweet you like it
* 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso
* pinch of salt
* Easy whipped cream, recipe below  (optional)
* Unsweetened coco powder, to garnish (optional)
* Chocolate sandwich cookie, biscotti, or chocolate straw, to garnish (optional)

Combine all non-optional ingredients in a small saucepan

Heat on medium until melted together and heated through. 

 Stir occasionally, until frothy.

Pour into pretty mug.  Yes, this will make it taste better.

Top with garnishes.  Enjoy!

Easy Whipped Cream

* 2tbsp heavy/whipping cream, cold
* 1/4tsp pure vanilla extract
* heavy pinch sugar

Put bowl and whisk in freezer until cold.  This will help facilitate the beating process.

Add cream and vanilla.  Beat until slightly thickened. Add sugar.

Keep beating until soft peaks form.

* You could do this with an electric beater, but you'd miss out on an awesome bicep workout :)  Who am I kidding?  I don't care about biceps...I care about whipped cream! 

Hi. I'm a soft peak.

I hope you all try this and love it as much as I do!  Nom Nom!

Happy eating,

Noora

Curried Chicken with Lentils

Hello food aficionados,

I want to share a super synch, quick dinner with you guys that I made last night.  I had all of these ingredients on-hand, but feel free to switch up the herbs and/or spices based on what you've got.  You could substitute parsley for the cilantro and curry powder or another Indian masala (spice blend) for the garam masala.  Without further ado, the main course:

For 4 servings

1 bay leaf

1c Lentils, rinsed and picked over

3 cups water

Kosher salt and red pepper flakes, to taste

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 small onion or 1/2 large, chopped

1 lime or lemon, juiced

1 tsp cumin powder

1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped or torn

1c yogurt (I used fat free, but use whatever you have)

1 tbsp garam masala

Sriracha or hot sauce of choice, to taste

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1"-2" cubes

Mint, diced tomatoes, mixed greens to garnish (optional) 

1. Place lentils, water, and bay leaf in quart-sized pot.  Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.  After lentils are cooked (about 20 to 25 minutes), add salt, red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, lime/lemon juice, cumin, and cilantro. *

* do not use salt or acid to season beans while cooking - this will make then tough.  Wait until they are cooked to season

2.  While lentils are simmering, turn on broiler.  Season chicken with salt and pepper (I also used poultry seasoning, but this is optional).  In a bowl, mix yogurt, garam masala, and sriracha. Add seasoned chicken.  Place on foil for easy cleanup and put under the broiler for 5 minutes.  Flip chicken pieces and broil for 5 more minutes or until cooked through.

3.  Mix cooked chicken into the lentil and garnish however you like.  Serve with rice, if desired.

I ended up not cutting my chicken into pieces for presentation purposes.  I just sliced the whole breast on the bias and laid it on top of the lentils and some mixed greens.  However, I recommend cutting the chicken before marinading to lend to the flavor and tenderness (and obviously, it takes longer to cook bigger pieces!).  Since this is boneless, skinless chicken, it dries out fast, so we want to reduce the cooking time as much as possible.

As you can see, this recipe is really easy and flavorful.  The whole thing takes less than 30 minutes, from start to finish.  Did I mention that this is very budget-friendly and gluten-free?!  Let me know what you guys think!

Happy eating, 

Noora

Greetings food lovers!

My name is Noora, and I'm a food enthusiast with an endless amount of curiosity.  I have a passion for food and flavor.  Learning about different cultures through food and incorporating these flavors and techniques in my food is my mission.  

Join me on my adventures in the kitchen!  Follow Deliciously Distinct and comment often - I'd love your feedback!

Happy eating,

Noora