Where have I been??

SO...I can truly say that I am very blessed because since the last time I posted I have been to 2 wonderful places and tried really good food. In May I visited Minneapolis for a work conference, but I must say- I think we partied more than scheduled. It is truly a beautiful city with wonderful people and lots to do despite what others may think. If you are ever there, make sure you visit the Dakota Jazz Club- it is well known for all the famous and up coming musicians, not to mention super yummy food like its "deconstructed s'mores". Also, take some time to go to The Local. This bar is a replica of any corner bar you can find in the streets of Ireland...awesome fish and chips and refreshing cider. Also..you HAVE to visit Hell's Kitchen...and try the bison patties for breakfast and their homemade jams and peanut butter-a little piece of heaven! All of these great dishes are pictured bellow:

S'mores @ Dakota Jazz Club

Fish n' Chips @ The Local

                            

Hell's Kitchen Breakfast
















Then came June...and I took off to Los Angeles for a week and I had a fabulous time with my wonderful sister and my cousin- who was a great host in his quaint apartment in Beverly Hills. I must say, not only did I fall in love with the perfect beautiful weather, and the good food, but the mountains really made me feel like I was back in Colombia. So...must eat at places are at almost every corner, but there are a few that I would recommend in a heartbeat. Pinks- ahhh can I tell you how incredibly and ridiculously yummy those hots dogs are??? but here is a tip, go during a weekday right when they open, and yes we had them at 9:30am but it is better than making that 3 blocks long line!! In the mood for dim sum? try BAO, the place is tastefully decorated, the service is great, the cocktails are refreshing and well, the dim sum is awesome! Then you have the Panini Cafe...known for its Mediterranean food and super large portions, everything on that menu will make your belly more than satisfied...I promise!

Pink's- Lord of the Rings



BAO-Dim Sum Heaven!



Lamb Kabob @ Panini Cafe





And so today I bring you a recipe that puts a small twist on your chicken dishes. Being that it is summer here in Miami, I go for the fruits that are in season. Please feel free to play with this recipe, you can make it sweeter or tangier it is completely up to you and what you like.

Chicken with pineapple, orange mustard sauce

What you need:

2/3 C of chopped pineapple with its juice (if you do not have fresh, use canned)

2 Tsp Jack Daniels Honey Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp of  mayo

1 Tsp Soy sauce

1 Tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tsp of water

2 Tbsp of freshly squeezed OJ

1 Tbsp of Honey BBQ sauce

About 1/4 tsp of the following: onion powder, garlic powder, pepper

4 Chicken breasts, no skin, cubed

1 Tsp butter

1 Tbsp EVOO

Sauce: in a sauce pan combine the pineapple, OJ, mustard and soy sauce. Bring to a soft boil. Add the cornstarch, and cook for a couple of minutes stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Lower heat and let simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add mayo, combine and set aside.

Place chicken cubes in a container, pat dry. Add the remaining ingredients, and use your hands to rub all the spices well into the chicken. Place a skillet on high heat, and add the butter and evoo. When you see the butter fizz, ass the chicken and spread evenly on skillet. DO NOT touch it, let it sizzle for at least 1-2 minutes but DO NOT walk away (since it has BBQ it can burn quickly due to the sugar in the sauce). Toss chicken once browned on one side and let cook for another minute or so. Turn heat down to low and add the sauce. Mix well and let simmer for 2 minutes. May be served with white rice or pasta or...whatever you like! 

Enjoy!!!!