Chips and salsa is always a good party snack. Some store bought salsas are pretty impressive, but making your own fresh salsa has no comparison. If you need to whip up one for a party try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• Cilantro (half bunch)
• 3 1/2 cups Petite diced tomatoes (~30 ounces)
• 1 1/4 cups Crushed pineapple (~10 ounces)
• 1/4 cup Diced onion
• 1 to 2 Tbsp Crushed garlic or garlic powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Habanero hot sauce / diced habaneros (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Mix diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and pineapple in a bowl.
2. Chop cilantro finely and add to bowl.
3. Add Habanero to bowl and mix.
   Note: Start sparingly and increase to desired heat/spice level.
4. Taste and serve.

I made this dish a few weeks back. Before then, I’d only attempted this once and that previous time turned out a disaster. Fortunately, I’ve discovered kitchen twine since then and it makes the dish so much easier to cook. With all the right tools/ingredients in hand, this dish was a delicious success.

Chicken Ingredients:

• (4) Chicken Breasts
• Fresh Mozzarella
• Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
• Spinach
• Basil (optional)
• Kitchen Twine (to bundle chicken until cooking is finished)

Rice Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brown Rice
• 4 cups Water
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 2 Tbsp Olive/Canola Oil
• 1 Tbsp Garlic
• 1 Tsp Cayenne (optional)

Chicken Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Filet/Butterfly the chicken breasts (cut from the side most of the way through).
3. Place 1 Tbsp pesto, 4 to 8 leaves spinach, and two slices of mozzarella in each chicken breast.
   
4. Fold chicken breasts and bundle them closed with kitchen twine.
   
5. Place chicken breasts in oven safe pan and cook for 40 minutes, or until done.
6. (Optional) Garnish finished chicken with basil.

Rice Instructions:

1. Combine rice and water in medium/large pan, set on medium/high heat.
2. Allow rice to cook until fully steamed, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain any excess water from rice.
4. Add butter, oil, and garlic. Stir until well mixed.
5. (Optional) Add cayenne to rice, stir until mixed or sprinkle on top for presentation.

Enjoy!