Foodie Fridays: Pulled Chicken Barbecue Naan Bread Pizza

I have been making naan bread pizzas on a regular basis, and have had this idea for a barbecue chicken version in the back of my mind for a while.  I finally had the time and the ingredients to actually test out my idea, and I am delighted with the results!

Because I am so busy preparing for my move at the end of September, I used a lot of convenience foods to keep the process simple, but at some point I will make my own version of shredded chicken for this recipe.  I am allergic to red meat, but if you have pulled pork or beef then by all means substitute one or the other for the chicken if you like!

I wanted to use a barbecue sauce that was not overly sweet, which is hard to find, so I added the peanut sauce to try to tone down the sugary flavor.  Feel free to use your own favorite barbecue sauce.  Smoked mozzarella is one of my favorites cheeses and is fantastic on this pizza, but I think any smoked cheese would probably work.

This quick and easy meal combines the flavors of pizza and barbecue, which should please just about anyone you need to feed (and if not, then that just means there is more for you!).

Pulled Chicken Barbecue Naan Bread Pizza

1 container (12 oz.) Curly's Sauceless Roasted & Seasoned Pulled Chicken
1/3 C. plus 4 T. Jim Beam Southern Tang Barbecue Sauce
2 tsp. House of Tsang Bangkok Padang Peanut Sauce
2 T. olive oil
2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 2-pack (8.8 oz.) Stonefire Naan (I used whole grain)
8 oz. smoked mozzarella, cut into slices

Heat the chicken according to package directions.  Combine the 1/3 C. barbecue sauce with the peanut sauce and stir into the chicken until well combined.  Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the sliced peppers and onions and cook until they begin to soften.  Lower the heat to medium and cook until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are soft.

Place the naan breads on a foil-lined baking sheet.  Spread each naan with a thin layer of barbecue sauce, about 2 T. on each one.  Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the two breads.  Divide the vegetable mixture evenly between the two breads.  Top each naan with the smoked mozzarella, spacing the slices as evenly as possible.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, until each pizza is heated through and the mozzarella has melted.  Remove from the oven and cool slightly before cutting each pizza in half.  Serves 4.
             

Wish List Wednesdays: Galaxy Jewelry Solar System Necklace

I am over the moon for the Galaxy Jewelry Solar System Necklace ($46) by RinaStudioJewelry on Etsy!  Nine planets (including the much maligned Pluto) are realistically fashioned from glass, ranging in size from 0.4 to 1.0 inches.  The colorful cabochons dangle from a bronze chain with a leather cord that is adjustable from 18 to 21 inches (custom lengths are available).  This is a necklace with universal appeal, and I would love to add it to my jewelry collection!

             

Foodie Fridays: Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi

If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, then give this recipe for Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi from the Two Peas & Their Pod website a try.  Everything is cooked on one sheet pan which is lined with foil for easy cleanup, and the end result is a tasty and satisfying meal that requires very little effort to prepare.  If you line you sheet pan well with the foil, you may not even have to wash the pan - what could be easier?

Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi

1 package (16 oz.) potato gnocchi
1 pint (2 C.) grape tomatoes
1 zucchini, cut into chunks
2 bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
1 small red onion, cut into chunks
1/2 C. plus 2 T. basil pesto
1/4 C. shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, shredded

Spread the gnocchi and vegetables on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.  Pour 1/2 C. of the pesto over and toss until everything is well coated.  Spread the gnocchi and vegetables in an even layer on the pan.

Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, tossing once halfway through cooking time.  The tomatoes should be soft and about ready to burst and the gnocchi should be soft and slightly crisp.

Remove the pan from the oven and divide the gnocchi and vegetables among four plates or bowls.  Drizzle each serving with the remaining 2 T. pesto.  Garnish with the Parmesan cheese and shredded basil leaves.  Serve immediately.  Serves 4.

Note: I added dollops of ricotta cheese as a topping as well.
             

Wish List Wednesdays: AWE Glow in the Dark Skeleton Yard Stake

Even though it is only August, Halloween decorations have already been showing up for weeks now. As Halloween is one of my favorite holidays I really don't mind, although even I think this is way too early!  Be that as it may, I have my eye on the Glow in the Dark Skeleton Yard Stake ($59) from At West End as holiday décor I may just purchase for our yard in New Mexico.  At almost 3 feet tall, this smiling skeleton is certain to make an impression, and I like the fact that he is not too spooky-looking.  Made of metal, this yard stake is much less likely to blow away than anything plastic (our house is in a rather windy area), and as an added bonus it even glows in the dark.  Have you started thinking about the upcoming holiday season yet (I've even seen Christmas décor for sale in a couple of catalogs!)?
               

This 'n That Thursdays: New Food and Beverage Products I Am Loving Right Now

From CAPHCC

Every summer I seem to find new food and beverage products to try that are both tasty and relatively healthy.  Below is a list of the ones I discovered this year, and which are now regular inclusions in my weekly shopping cart:

From Mommyish

1) La Croix Cerise Limon Sparkling Water

I am obsessed with all the no-calorie flavored seltzer waters available right now, even though I am one of those people whose throats are irritated by carbonated beverages.  I will try any and every flavor (except blackberry cucumber, because EEEWWW!), but my favorite at the moment is La Croix Cerise Limon (Cherry Lime) Sparkling Water.  Seltzer water is so refreshing on a hot day, and the slight hint of flavor added to these zero-calorie, zero-sodium, zero-carbohydrate beverages adds just enough interest to keep me buying more!

From Bustle

2) Chobani Nut Butter Yogurts

As someone who must stay on a low-carbohydrate diet, I end up eating a lot of nut-based foods.  Fortunately, I love nuts!  Recently Chobani introduced a line of nut butter yogurts which are relatively low in carbohydrates, cholesterol, and sodium.  They are also quite tasty, and a healthier alternative to sugary fruit-flavored yogurts.  They have now become a regular addition to my diet, either plain or with an added handful of blueberries.

From Instacart

3) Chobani Madagascar Vanilla & Cinnamon Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

I like to buy vanilla yogurt in the 24-ounce size rather than as individual servings, and the best that I have found in terms of flavor as well as nutrition is Chobani Madagascar & Cinnamon Less Sugar Greek Yogurt.  It is so good you cannot even tell that it is low in sugar, and this flavor is the absolute best served my favorite way with a handful of blueberries.  It is so popular that our local Publix has trouble keeping it in stock, so do give it a try if you can find it in your own supermarket!

From BrickSeek

4) Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk Creamer

My cholesterol has recently started to creep up as I get older, so I am always looking for ways to reduce my consumption of products with too much saturated fat.  I love to drink my morning tea with half 'n half, but recently discovered Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk Creamer, which is just as delicious in tea but has no saturated fat.  At just 10 calories and one gram of fat per tablespoon, I can enjoy this creamer every morning without worrying about adding saturated fat to my diet.

From Califia Farms

5) Califia Farms Unsweetened Creamer

Another excellent alternative to half 'n half is Califia Farms Unsweetened Creamer, but only if you like the flavor of coconut.  This nondairy, low-sugar creamer has just a smidgen of saturated fat, but its rich and creamy flavor is just as satisfying as real half 'n half.  Save this creamer for unflavored hot beverages, as the coconut taste will overwhelm any added flavorings.

From Instacart

6) Pure Blends Avocado Oil Plant-Based Butter

I love butter, despite all of its saturated fat.  I usually stick to a butter and canola oil blend as a bread spread, but lately have decided that, with my cholesterol level beginning to rise, I need to eliminate even this source of saturated fat from my life so that I can still eat cheese, which is one food that I would have a very hard time giving up.  This year I discovered Pure Blends Avocado Oil Plant-Based Butter and decided to give it a try.  While butter substitutes will never be as satisfying as the real thing, this spread is not bad, although it does include a couple of ingredients (palm and palm kernel oils, monoglycerides) that are not nutritionally ideal.  I am just starting to explore the world of butter substitute spreads, so I may find one I like more, but for now I am switching to this avocado-oil spread.

🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸🍨🍸

Have you found any new food or beverage products lately that you cannot live without now?
             

Wish List Wednesdays: Crate and Barrel Bruna 45" Centerpiece Table Runner

As I get ready for our move to New Mexico, I like to keep track of home décor items that fit the theme of a rustic modern southwestern style, which is the look I would like to emphasize in our new home.  The Bruna 45" Centerpiece Table Runner ($99.95) from Crate and Barrel is a good example of the sort of home accessory I am looking for.  The handwoven geometric patterns, natural palm leaf fiber, and even the natural color enhanced with shades of red in the design, all suit the style perfectly.  The price is a bit more than I really want to pay for a table runner, but I will keep tabs on this table runner and if it should happen to go on sale I will be one of the first in line to place my order!

             

Weekend Wardrobe: Summer Weekend Travel Wardrobe Based on Outfits that Caught My Eye at Albuquerque's Sunport International Airport

Cabi Camilla Shirt Dress in White Animal Print
(this dress is not black and white like the inspiration dress,
but the style and print are similar).

One of my favorite pastimes at the Sunport International Airport in Albuquerque while I am waiting for my return flight back to Georgia is to keep an eye out for the most interesting travel outfits.  On my most recent trip I was at the airport several hours before my flight, so I had plenty of time to look for my favorites, but I almost missed the one that really caught my eye because the woman wearing it did not show up until I was standing in line to board my own flight.  Of course what really got my attention was the dress she was wearing (similar to the one shown above) because it had a Dalmatian print pattern and I am a dedicated Dalmatian lover.  The wearer also added a unique crossbody bag in color blocks of olive, red, and turquoise, plus turquoise and tan sandals.  The combination was so striking, and the outfit looked so cool and comfortable, that I decided to use this woman's outfit as the inspiration for a summer weekend travel wardrobe.

Here are the items to wear/carry in transit:

Clockwise from top left: North River North Park Polarized Sunglasses; Coldwater Creek Short Story Sweater Shrug in Turquoise; Earth Spirit Sterling Silver and Blue Turquoise Cuff Bracelet; SwissGear Travel Gear 6283 17" 2-Wheeled Carry-On in Teal; Rebels Joy Suede Leather Slide Sandals in Turquoise; Cabi Camilla Shirt Dress in White Animal Print; Center: ILI World Handbag 6097 in Citrus.

The apparel to be packed were selected based on two other outfits that I noticed at the airport.  One outfit was a combination of a black and white geometric print tunic top plus white ankle pants, while the other included a striking black and white southwestern print cardigan, white top, and black pants.  My addition of an extra top, a few more accessories, and more Dalmatian print on a summery short pajama set rounds out the items packed for a quick weekend getaway:

Clockwise from top left: 14th & Union Arden Leather Wristlet in Black; SilverTribe Turquoise and Sterling Silver American Indian Bead Necklace; ZAFUL Geometric Graphic Open Cardigan in Black (sold out); Eileen Fisher Stretch Cotton Tank in White; Halogen Ankle Pants in Black; PrettyLittleThing Short Satin Pyjama Set in White Dalmatian Print; Lori Loafers in Turquoise; Chico's Brigitte Slim Ankle Pants in Alabaster; Little Luxury Islands Exclusive Geometric Print Tunic in Black and White; Center: Eileen Fisher Stretch Cotton Shell in Black.

While most of the items are in basic black and white, the addition of turquoise as an accent color plus the colorful color-blocked handbag keep this wardrobe from looking boring.  While I rarely wear black in the summer (it makes me feel too hot), even I would be tempted to travel with this selection of clothing!

✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

I will be leaving for another trip this week, to Pittsburgh for a special reunion, so once again my posts will be sparse and sporadic for a while.  I still have an accessories post to finish for a previous wardrobe, which I will try to do when I return, but my big move to New Mexico is coming up fast so I am not sure when I will be able to get back to a regular posting schedule.  I will check in periodically, however, and once I am settled in to our New Mexico home I should be able to post more predictably.  I hope you are all having a great summer!
             

Foodie Fridays: Coconut Chia Pudding

I just had to post one more chia seed pudding recipe before the end of summer, since they are so simple to make and perfect for hot weather.  My version of the Coconut Chia Pudding recipe from The Almond Eater website calls for sweetened shredded coconut instead of the unsweetened type, which means that you can eliminate the maple syrup called for in the original recipe.  If you are feeling ambitious you could make the caramelized banana slices from the original recipe as well, but a lazy cook like myself would simply add uncooked slices or eliminate the banana entirely.  I did the latter, but did go to the trouble of toasting some of the coconut shreds as a topping.

I recommend this pudding as a dessert as there is no protein source.  You could, however, always stir in a nut butter and call it breakfast if you like.  The long, hot month of August stretches before us at the moment, so cool and refreshing recipes like this one will come in handy in the weeks to come.  Enjoy!

Coconut Chia Pudding

1 can (about 14 oz.) coconut milk (I used low-fat)
4 T. chia seeds
6 T. sweetened shredded coconut

Combine the coconut milk, chia seeds, and 4 T. shredded coconut in a bowl.  Allow to sit for a few minutes until slightly thickened.  Divide the mixture between two drinking glasses and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to thicken completely.

Place the remaining 2 T. shredded coconut in a dry skillet.  Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring, until the coconut begins to turn light brown and has a nutty aroma.  This will not take long - DO NOT overcook or the coconut will burn!

Top each serving of pudding with 1 T. of the toasted coconut and serve.  Serves 2.
               

This 'n That Thursdays: Sensible Lifestyle Changes to Achieve a Healthy Weight

From Harvard Health Publishing

Like most people, I am always looking for tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle.  And like most people, I prefer these tips to be simple and easy to understand and follow.  The infographic from The Every Girl shown below provides some straightforward ideas, mostly about diet, that would not be difficult to incorporate into my daily routine (although 80 ounces of water a day might be pushing it for me - that's a lot of water!).  I follow some of these rules already, but I do need to keep reminding myself to consume a greater variety of fruits and vegetables, as I have a tendency to eat the same favorite few all of the time.  Is it time for you to start tweaking your healthy lifestyle rules as well?

                

Wish List Wednesdays: Adrill 5 Tier Lighthouse Display Unit

Did you know that today is National Lighthouse Day?  Even though I am not especially fond of the coast, I love lighthouses for some reason, and the Adrill 5 Tier Lighthouse Display Unit ($189.99) from Birch Lane would be a lovely as well as practical way to add a touch of lighthouse whimsy to any home.  I am especially taken with the top level, which looks like a lighthouse beacon and is designed to hold a pillar candle so that it can light up!  While I am not sure this unit would fit in with the style of our New Mexico house, if I owned a beach home I would definitely include it as part of the décor!