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Tag Archives: mint

July 15, 2010 · 9:31 am

Black Bean Fruit Salsa and Spicy Grilled Chicken

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I love the colors of summer food. Bright, vibrant hues that scream freshness!

This fresh salsa is one of my favorites. Fresh tomatoes, mangos (or peaches or nectarines), cilantro, black beans, and just a little bit of fresh hot pepper. It is not too spicy, which makes it perfect to pair with a spicy grilled chicken.

RECIPES:

Spicy Grilled Chicken

Servings: about 6
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6 boneless chicken breasts or 10 boneless chicken thighs
1 Tbs smoked paprika
1 Tbs chili paste (or 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes)
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 chopped mint leaves

Place chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag.

Combine paprika, chili paste, garlic, salt, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and mint. Add to the bag with the chicken. Seal and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Heat grill. Remove chicken from marinade and grill until cooked through.

Serve with Black Bean Fruit Salsa, if desired.

Adapted from Once Upon a Plate

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Black Bean Fruit Salsa

Servings: 8-10
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1 cup black beans, drained & rinsed
1 cup corn
3-4 tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes)
1-2 mangos, nectarines, or peaches, chopped
1 hot banana or jalapeno pepper, minced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
5 green onions, sliced
3 Tbs fresh lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs olive oil
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
½ tsp salt

Combine all ingredients. Toss gently. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment to grilled chicken or fish.

Also try with Grilled Peruvian Chicken Thighs

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Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Mint Oreo Cookies

DAY 2: These cookies are Big A’s favorite cookie to make. She almost always chooses to make these when she has to bring a treat somewhere. The cookie recipe is extremely simple, starting with a cake mix. The only time consuming part is putting the frosting between the two cookies (which really is not much to complain about). You can easily make these as plain oreos (instead of mint) by omitting the peppermint extract and green food coloring. Refrigerate these after making, as the filling contains cream cheese.

RECIPE:

Mint Oreo Cookies

Servings: about 3 dozen
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COOKIES:
2 chocolate cake mixes
4 eggs
2/3 cup oil

FILLING:
4 oz cream cheese
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp vanilla
¼ tsp peppermint extract
10 drops green food coloring
2 cups powdered sugar

COOKIES: Beat all cookie ingredients until well mixed. Roll into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes. Drop cookie sheet on counter to flatten cookies slightly. Cool cookies on rack.

Spread one cookie with filling. Top with a second cookie. Store in refrigerator.

FILLING: Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer. Add vanilla, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Beat in powdered sugar.

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TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES RECAP:
DAY 1: Swedish Peppar KaKar

For more wonderful Christmas cookie ideas, visit Food Blogga’s Eat Christmas Cookies Event. For submitting your own cookies to the event, visit Food Blogga.