HONEY MUSTARD RITZ CRACKER CHICKEN

Today, I’m sharing our first quick and easy recipe of the new year. All you need for this ritz cracker chicken dish are just THREE ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and was enjoyed by all four members of my family. This is the perfect replacement for the chicken tenders and potato skins hubs and I would get once a week from our local grocery store! I served the chicken with baked potatoes on the night I made it but from here on out, I think I’ll serve it with sweet potato fries on a night we’re craving comfort food. Enjoy! 

• 2 pieces (about 1lb) chicken cut into strips
• 2/3 cup honey mustard dipping sauce more if needed
• 1 sleeve ritz crackers crushed
•  salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray. I baked the chicken on a baking mat.
3. Have two empty low bowls or dishes ready. In one, place the honey mustard, in the second, place the crushed Ritz crackers.
4. Cut the chicken into strips
5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper
6. Dip the chicken pieces one by one into the honey mustard first, followed by the ritz crackers.
7. Make sure the chicken is covered with crackers.
8. After the chicken is coated in honey mustard and crackers, place on a baking sheet.
9. When all of the chicken is coated and on the baking sheet, bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
10. Enjoy!

Cranberry, Apple & Pecan Stuffing

Two years ago, I made this semi-homemade stuffing. It took just under 20 minutes to make and was full of flavor. When I made it the first time, I used fresh cranberries. We thought they were a little tart and opted for dried cranberries the second time. The sweetness of the cranberries combined with the crunch of the apples and nuts dresses up any boxed stuffing mix. The little cook time and delicious flavor will make it a  recipe you come back to time and time again.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups apple juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 package Stuffing Mix 6 oz package
• 1 small apple chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or fresh
• 1/4 cup pecans chopped

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring juice and butter to a boil.
2. Add stuffing mix along with the cranberries and apples, mix lightly.
3. Once fruit is mixed in, remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in pecans before serving.

Adapted from Kraft Foods

Valentine's Snack Mix

Now that we're into the new year, I've already started thinking about Valentine's Day. This year I'm planning on hosting a Valentine's Day playdate for a few of AG's friends.  When hosting playdates, I always make a snack mix for the kids. 

Snack mixes are usually a big hit at our playdates.  Chances are there is usually a few things in the mix that all of the kids will eat, no matter how picky. Kids can also help to make the mix, which makes things even more fun (and messy!)  I make sure to have little cups or even the small waffle ice cream cones make things fun for serving and even more fun for the kids to eat!

If you're looking for little Valentine's Day gifts, you can also package the snack mix in a cute jar with a tag and you're good to gift. Lots of possibilities, just a few ingredients and some happy littles. Enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

Berry Kix

Stick Pretzels

Strawberry Goldfish

M&M's

Mini Marshmallows

Vanilla Chex Mix

Directions: 

Mix ingredients in a bowl and serve!