The Start of the Summer Season

Last year around this time, I shared the Cool Chicken Pasta Salad, which is perfect for a warm day at the beach. This year, I wanted to share with you a sandwich perfect to help get you ready for the beach and that means eating a bit healthier.

The Lowfat Chicken Salad Sandwiches from Campbell’s Kitchen® are super easy to whip together before work and they travel nicely when on the go. As we get ready for the 2011 summer season, keep in mind that eating a healthy meal doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor. Experiment with the below recipe. Try substituting a little curry powder instead of onion powder or maybe kick up the spice with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Enjoy and remember to have fun with your food!

Lowfat Chicken Salad Sandwiches

From Campbell’s Kitchen®
Prep: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 sandwiches

1 can (4.5 ounces) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained
2 tablespoons chopped celery
3 tablespoons low fat or fat free mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
4 slices Pepperidge Farm® Farmhouse™ Soft Oatmeal Bread
4 tomato slices
2 lettuce leaves

1. Stir the chicken, celery, mayonnaise and onion powder in a small bowl. Divide the chicken mixture between 2 bread slices. Top with the tomato, lettuce and remaining bread slices.

Best, and until next time, Kaitlin!

Just a reminder, in case anyone forgot, I’m fortunate enough to work with Swanson Chicken, which is why I love to share all these delicious recipes, great tips and money saving offers on Entertaining Escapades!

Uh, Oh. It’s the 5 O’clock Dinner Dilemma

You have probably heard me complain about having boring weeknight dinners and how it always seems like a 5 o’clock rush to figure out what will be on the table. I am pretty sure I speak for a lot of families when I say I have the “Dinner Dilemma” just about every day on my way home from work.

This added stress can be easily avoided with a little planning but who has time for that?! I thought I would make at least one day of your week a bit easier by sharing a great recipe, which can easily be made during the 5 o’clock rush to the dinner table. It comes from a great food blog named Picky Palate. It’s an extremely popular mom blog written by a lovely stay at home mom, Jenny. She shares all her highs and lows as a mother all while serving up some really good food! I made this last night and it was quick and delicious. Thanks, Jenny!

Penne With Fancy Chicken Sausage and Basil Ribbons
From Picky Palate

Ingredients:

½ lb whole wheat penne pasta, dry
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ white onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper finely diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 chicken sausage links, variety of choice, sliced into ¼ inch slices
10 fresh basil leaves, stacked, rolled and thinly sliced (chiffonade)
2-4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or medium dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sausage. Cook and stir for 5 more minutes. Stir in cooked pasta, basil leaves and 2-4 Tablespoons of olive oil.

Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Best, and until next time, Kaitlin!