Caramelized Chicken with Jalapeno Cream

It's late...and I have to be up bright and early in a couple of hours. So let's just get to it, shall we? 

This sauce is incredible! Despite being a cream sauce, it tastes somewhat light and it has a refreshingly subtle jalapeno taste (says the one with oh-so-heavy spicy hand). I paired it with spicy fried rice, but Ryan and I both agreed, it would be better with pasta next time. It's yummy...make it!

Start by pulsing fresh jalapenos, shallot, and garlic in the food processor. Try not to lean over the top, to take in it's beauty, as I did. The shallot/jalapeno fumes will punch you in the face and make your eyes water uncontrollably. You've been warned.

Brown Butter Parmesan Chicken Linguine

This pasta dirties A LOT of dishes. And despite that horrifying image, I would make it again. 'Cause I liked it...I liked it A LOT. Unfortunately, Ryan was sick, all stuffed up, and couldn't taste anything, so he obviously didn't appreciate this pasta as much as I did. You best believe I had no problem finishing the leftovers all by myself. Mmmm...so good.

Sweet caramelized onions, decadently rich brown butter, wine-soaked mushrooms, topped off with salty Parmesan = one kick-ass pasta! It's mighty delicious and definitely an indulgence. I tried to tell myself "well at least the pasta is whole-wheat."  It's that kind of thinking that led to these little love handles of mine. Oh well...I indulge, then I Zumba!

Flavorful White Chicken Chili

This is my all time favorite chili recipe! It's rustic and hearty, warm and comforting. It's pure perfection on a chilly fall day. My friend Katie made this chili for me years ago and I fell in love instantly. It's her mother's recipe. Thanks Mrs. Lamont!

Yesterday, it was finally chilly enough here in Paradise to start a fire in our wood stove. That's when I knew that it was time for white chicken chili! We had friends coming over so I doubled the recipe. This chili recipe is not as thick as others, so you wanna make sure that you have some fresh warm bread to soak up all of the deliciousness.

Try this dutch oven bread, it's so easy to make at home. You could make fresh baked cheddar-jalapeno bread, or pepperjack, or garlic, so many options to accompany this amazing chicken chili.

White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (I also add fresh minced garlic, if I have any laying around)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
• 2 Tbsp. diced jalapenos (optional, if you don't like it hot)
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz.) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whipping cream