A Dinner to Enjoy ... sunshine, palm trees and a little reggae to boost!

My kitchen is a happening place lately.  More than the usual meals that are quite honestly starting to bore me ... and maybe it's a little bit of winter doldrums setting in ... but the family has been busy with  taste testing each night!  Last night was a big hit with the first time ever, "JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN!"  (Have you seen that new VW commercial for the Super Bowl yet?  Makes me happy!)  Anyway I'm experimenting with some new recipes because I'm rolling out a new program for the month of March that will be full of fun stuff!  Stay tuned for the details in the next week ... but here's the recipe from last night ... yes, it is a slow cooker recipe but on days that are yucky out, it's a really nice smell to come home to.  And seriously, put some Bob Marley on and everyone will be in a good mood even if you are rushing out the door to a game!

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

prep time ~ 25 minutes

slow cook time ~ 5-5 1/2 hours low

                              2 1/2 - 2 3/4 high

Ingredients:

1 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks (fyi I used frozen pineapple with some added water)

2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs

1 15 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 small jalepeno pepper (I cut mine in large chunks so my kids could pull them out)

2 T red wine vinegar

1 T dijon style mustard

4-6 t jerk style seasoning (see seasoning mix below if you don't have jerk seasoning)

1/2 t salt

1/4 t ground fresh pepper

1 orange, peeled and sectioned

2 cups of hot rice or couscous 

green onions for garnish (optional)

1.  Drain pineapple, reserving liquid.  

2.  In a large slow cooker, add the following:  pineapple, chicken, beans, and jalapeno pepper.

3.  In small bowl, combine pineapple juice, vinegar, mustard, jerk seasoning, salt and black pepper.  

     Pour into slow cooker.  

4.  Cover and cook on low for 5 to 5 1/2 hours or high for around 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  Serve warm over

   hot rice or other grain your family loves! Add orange slices and green onions if desired.

Makes 6 servings

Per serving:  378 cal, 6 grams total fat, 110 mg of cholesterol, 621 mg sodium, 50 grams of carb, 7 gram fiber, 35 grams of protein.

jerk seasoning recipe

1  1/2 teaspoons ground  allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/4 t.  ground cloves

1 1/2  teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

I didn't use this entire recipe ... I did a dry rub on the chicken and saved the rest for next time!  Do not use more salt and pepper than this recipe (above lists salt and pepper separately if you use pre-made jerk seasoning from the store).