Lovin' From the Oven

Roasted Asparagus

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I’m all about grilling during the summer, but my DH never gets around to it since he’s working during the weekdays and I make dinner. Yes, he’s in charge of the BBQ (and he doesn’t even eat veggies anyway, so he doesn’t care for grilled greens!). So instead of grilling my vegetables, I roast them in the oven instead. It’s the easiest thing ever! Toss your veggies with some olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, and then let it come together. IMG_5003

I can’t believe that I’ve never roasted asparagus before. I eat it all the time at restaurants and never thought twice about how easy it would be to make at home. I gobbled this batch right up out of the oven and never looked back. This makes a mighty fine lunch for me. IMG_4998

Don’t even bother buying those microwavable asparagus boxes from Trader Joe’s. This tastes much better and takes the same amount of time to prepare, just a longer time to cook. Plus, look how beautiful that green is!IMG_4995

You can do this with other vegetables as well: zucchini, squash, brussels sprouts… You could even add some parmesan cheese on top if you want something a little meatier.

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Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of asparagus spears (however many you'd like)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silpat. Lay out the asparagus on top.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
https://lovintheoven.com/roasted-asparagus/

Chicken Fiesta Tacos

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I’ve been craving Mexican food more than ever recently. Perhaps it’s because there’s not that many good Mexican restaurants in my immediate vicinity. I live in the middle of all of the good Asian food, but that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, that’s definitely good enough for me…. but sometimes, I want more!IMG_8811

That’s why I made it at home. If I can’t find it, I’ll make it! Although, let’s be real here… I’m still not very good at this cooking thing and going out to eat is still way better than my homemade meals. I would eat out for dinner every night if I could.

But that would get expensive… and probably unhealthy. IMG_8820

Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy dinner. You can add more or less of whatever ingredients you like in your tacos. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce… the works. Don’t let my limited kitchen cupboard stop you.

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Chicken Fiesta Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 boneless chicken breasts, chopped into small cubes
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup brown rice, uncooked
  • 2 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp red cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • dash of Tabasco
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican mix cheese
  • 8 soft tortillas

Directions

  1. Add the oil in large sauce pan and cook the chicken with salt and pepper until brown over medium high heat, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, except for the cheese.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked. If you notice the water running low, add 1/4 cup more water at a time.
  4. Scoop the mixture into the middle of soft tortillas. Top with cheese and serve!
https://lovintheoven.com/chicken-fiesta-tacos/

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

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Have you heard of the TV series, “Southern Uncovered With The Lee Bros?”

“In each episode of Southern Uncovered, Matt and Ted explore a different city in the South, seeking to expose the unique and unexpected sides of Southern cuisine and culture. The brothers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty – or lace up their dancing shoes – as they introduce us to the people, places and amazing plates that define the South, beyond the stereotypes. Over the six-episode series, Matt and Ted will introduce viewers to the food, art, and culture of Charleston, Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans, Asheville, and Louisville.“

I’ve never been over there, but I would LOVE to visit one day and eat my heart away!

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I imagine southern food tastes ten times better when you’re actually in the south. I’ve had my fair share of “southern food,” but I don’t think it’s truly authentic. IMG_7424

I tried to recreate some southern loving in my own kitchen with these candied sweet potatoes. They’re a little healthier than normal since I used coconut oil, but they’re just as scrumptious. IMG_7430

The brand that I used was Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. It was a clean, rich taste with minimal processing, which is something I’m always looking for in coconut oil. Did I mention it’s also cold pressed AND organic? Winner, winner chicken dinner.

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The sweet potatoes came out soft, sweet, and tasted the best warm.IMG_7451

To find out more about the TV series, Southern Uncovered, you can check out:

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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cubed sweet potatoes
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (I used Nutiva)
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 pan with foil. Set aside.
  2. Steam your cubed sweet potatoes until bright orange.
  3. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Toss with the remaining ingredients.
  4. Spread the potatoes out in the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
https://lovintheoven.com/southern-candied-sweet-potatoes/

This is a sponsored post, but the opinions expressed are my own.

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