Smoky Paprika Chips with Chilli Chutney and Cilantro & Garlic Dip

Now who doesn't like chips? Especially on a Monday.

In all fairness I don't eat them often, but when I do I go all out.
I am a sucker for flavour, and by simply adding some smoked paprika to a good old Maris Piper, well it pimps it to the next level.

Food: Baked Feta Cheese With Tomato, Beetroot & Pomegranate Seeds

This is just Summer all wrapped up in one cheesy and luxurious bite.

Perfect as a show stopper at a BBQ, or taking centre stage at a light dinner party. I love it on crackers, fresh bread or alone with a salad, I promise you won't be disappointed. The sweetness of the tomatoes, pomegranate and the rich earthy taste of the beetroot, works wonderfully alongside the creaminess of the Feta cheese. 

Let's get cracking.

Food || Eggs and Avocado - again.

Ok, I am an egg and avocado fiend. If I don't have them BOTH in, well things can get ugly.

But why would you change something when it works so well?

How you make this beauty:

1) Slice half an avocado into chunks.

2) Dice some red onions, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

3) Toss in a little olive oil, lemon and oregano.

4) Poach an egg for 4 minutes, pop on top of the avocado and salad then season with salt and cracked black pepper. 

5) Lightly sprinkle some paprika over.

Simple, but pretty damn good.

Food || Mexican Chicken Lettuce Trays!

Gathering family and friends round for food and feeding them up is one of my favourite past times. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I love how It brings everyone together to settle down and get their munch on, whilst having a good gab and a laugh.

With Summer (yes Summer I said, not that it feels like we are EVER going to see the sun anytime soon) and the idea of squeezing into a bikini just around the corner eeeeeek most of my friends are on diets moaning about their weight! (Oh yes, and me too)  So this weekend when it came to food, not wanting to be blamed for any pesky weight gains, I decided to keep the food as low fat as possible. But never, ever jeopardising the flavour.

The idea for these little delights just sprung into my head one night (don't you just love when that happens?) and they was a hit. I LOVE Mexico and hope to travel back one day (plus the Doritos Mexican themed adverts are just bloody marvellous) The cuisine incorporates all the flavours and ingredients I love!  

This is my version of the "taco" dish minus the taco shell.

Mexican Chicken served in Gem Lettuce Trays

Ingredients.

400g diced Chicken breast

Smoked Paprika

3 crushed Garlic cloves

2 Lemons or Limes

Salt and Pepper

Gem lettuce (around 25 leaves will serve 6 people)

1 Avocado

Dried Thyme  

5 tablespoons of Sweetcorn

10 Cherry Tomato's diced small.

Tomato salsa

Sour cream

Fresh Parsley to garnish

Method

Dice the chicken breast into small bite size strips. Squeeze a full lemon over the chicken, a tablespoon of smoked paprika, three crushed garlic cloves, tablespoon of dried thyme and salt and pepper mix up well and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

Separate the gem lettuce leaves, wash and put to one side. 

Just before you fry the chicken. Cube an avocado, dice cherry tomatoes and mix in the sweetcorn. Squeeze some lemon over, season and put to one side.

Fry chicken in a little olive oil until it's crispy and golden. Around 10 minutes. Load a tablespoon of the chicken into the Gem lettuce tray and then spoon some of the avocado mix over the chicken. Carry on until all lettuce trays are loaded. Dollop a teaspoon of salsa and sour cream in each tray. Garnish with parsley or coriander and lemon wedges and da,daaaaa (jazz hands) it's done.

All my friends tried and LOVED them! I served with sweet potato wedges some dips and some bread for the non dieting ladies! A beautiful colourful and tasty dish as we are moving into the summer months,and one that you won't feel guilty about devouring. Result. 

Will you give these a try?