Friday, September 2, 2011

Small kind acts...BIG impact.

There comes a time in life when we really need to look inside and think about all the little things we can do to help others. As I sit back and remember all the projects I have been involved in, it really reminds me how easy it is to bring a smile to someones face. There is one thing I keep telling myself over and over again... "Sometimes the smallest things in life, become the sweetest memories." I hope you all can keep that in your hearts as well.
Today I wanted to share with you guys a small project that I have been trying to promote for a couple of years now. One of the social workers at my current job collects book bags with school supplies for underprivileged kids in Jamaica. Last year, I stuffed 2 book bags so much that I was amazed at how much they weighed...this year I prepared 4. 2 for girls and 2 for boys...All I can say is that I cannot wait to see the pictures of the kids wearing their new bags! Just take a look at the following pictures from last years trip. How can your heart not melt!!!!!



For today's yummy multi-use dish... I bring you these chicken patties.
Chicken Patties
What you need:
2 Chicken Breasts- cooked, torn apart
1 Can Peas and Carrots
2 Hot Dogs- cut into thin slices
½ C Parmesan Cheese
½ C Italian Bread Crumbs
½-1 C Flour
2-4 Eggs
3 Tbsp Guizo (onion and tomato fresh out of the food processor)
2 Tbsp EVOO
~ ½ C Canola Oil
½ Cube of Chicken Bouillon
Salt and Pepper

How to make:
On high heat, add the evoo and the guizo. Once you hear it sizzle, add the crumbled chicken bouillon and the hot dogs. Stir gently for 1 minute. Add the chicken along with the peas and carrots and stir for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool down.
In a separate bowl scramble 2 eggs, 1/3 c of flour, the parmesan cheese, and the bread crumbs. This is where it gets tricky- the consistency should be thick, almost like when you make pancakes. It should also be enough for the amount of the chicken mixture. If it doesn’t look like it is enough, you can add more eggs and flour. Mix both the eggs and chicken mixture well and set aside.
On medium high heat, add the canola oil to a large flat pan. Using a wooden spoon, carefully drop 5 spoonful’s of the mixture. Do not overcrowd the pan because it can lower the temperature of the oil. Allow each side to get golden brown (it will take 2-3 minutes on each side). Place on a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve this with green salad, rice, pasta…or even as a sandwich topping.

~Enjoy!