The Lagarto Chef

Simple Meals for Two

Even the best of cooks can get tired of cooking and tired of long, involved recipes. Here are some simple, quick meal ideas for two. Just multiply ingredients for more people.

1. Cajun Chicken with Potatoes

and Slaw

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

• 2 boneless chicken breats, semi-thawed

• 4 T. cajun or creole seasoning

• About 1/2 cup mixture of olive oil and Canola oil

For potatoes:

• 2 potatoes

For slaw:

• 1 package pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 T. white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar

• 2 T. sugar or Splenda

Directions:

Chicken:

1) Slice partially thawed chicken into strips. Place in a quart size plastic bag with cajun seasoning. Shake well, distributing the seasoning all over each piece. Allow to continue to thaw by placing bag under running water. Heat oil a little higher than medium heat in heavy bottomed skillet.

2) Cook chicken pieces in the hot oil , just about three to five minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Ranch Dressing or sour cream on the side.

Potatoes:

Stab potatoes in about five places. Rub Crisco all over potatoe. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Put in microwave for three minutes. Touch them. If soft, leave in oven until you are ready to eat them. If hard, cook one more minute at a time until they are soft.

To serve, remove wrap, slice open and add butter, lemon juice or your favorite toppings.

Slaw:

Mix all ingredients with whisk. Pour into large mixing bowl. Add shredded cabbage and mix until all cabbage is coated with dressing. Best if refrigerated for a couple of hours before serving.

2. Ahi Tuna Bites With Onion Soup And Green Salad

Ingredients:

For Tuna Bites:

• Two 4 to 6 oz. portions of frozen Ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna).

• squeeze of lime juice

• 2 T. Soy sauce

• 2 T. cooking oil

• Juice of one lime

For Onion Soup:

• 2 small onions or one really large onion

• 2 cups water

• enough chicken bullion to make two cups

For Salad:

• enough lettuce and/or other of your favorite cold salad greens.

• your favorite vinaigrette dressing.

Directions:

Tuna

Cut tuna into bite-size pieces, about 3/4-to 1-inch cubes.

Pour soy sauce and lime jice over cubes and place in refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Heat 2 T. cooking oil in heavy bottomed skillet. Place tuna bites in oil and toss until all sides are browned, about one or two minutes. Do not overcook! You want it rare in the middle. Serve with prepared Wasabi and Soy sauce.

Onion Soup

Slice onions very thinly. Bring water to a boil and add bullion and onions. Simmer until onions are very tender. Serve in bowls with a slice of toasted baguette or cracker on top and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese over all.

Green Salad

Toss greens with dressing.