Buffalo Chicken Tacos

I found this super simple recipe via pinterest recently and decided to try it out.  Obviously, we LOVE anything with buffalo sauce, since I've posted a few other buffalo chicken recipes, but this was a nice change from our usual versions.  I have to say, I think the toppings (avocados, ranch, green onions, lettuce) definitely makes the dish....so don't leave it out!  Will definitely be making this again for a simple weeknight meal!
You will need:
-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
-1/3 cup flour
-3 tablespoon cornstarch
-1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (Franks Buffalo sauce)
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-corn or flour tortillas (we used fresh flour tortillas from krogers bakery)
Toppings:
-shredded lettuce
-avocados
-thinly sliced green onions
-sliced avocados
*Heat a large dutch oven, or deep pan, over medium-high heat
*In a large bowl combine flour, cornstarch, cayenne and garlic powder.  Season chicken in salt/pepper and then dredge in flour mixture.
*Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to dutch oven and once it gets hot, add chicken.  Cook on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.  Once chicken is done, set aside in a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce.
*Assemble tacos with toppings of your choice and enjoy!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

I found this great recipe on noordinarymomentsblog.com for a loaded baked potato salad and decided to try it out.  This is super easy and makes a ton, so it's perfect for a crowd.  It's a great twist on regular old potato salad!  I altered the original recipe and used a bag of real bacon bits instead of frying bacon...because I was feeling lazy.  Definitely will be making this one again!

You will need:
-3 lbs. small red potatoes, washed and cut into chunks
-1 1/2 cups sour cream
-1/2 mayonnaise
-1 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp black pepper
-1/4 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 lb of bacon, cooked and chopped....(I cheated and used REAL bacon bit pieces)
-6 green onions, diced
-1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
*Boil potatoes in water until they are just shy of being cooked (you want them fork tender but not too soft) this took me about 15-20 minutes.  Drain potatoes
*While potatoes are cooking, in a large bowl mix sour cream, mayo, spices, green onions, and bacon together. 
*Mix potatoes into sour cream mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour
*Add shredded cheese to the potato mixture and mix well

This salad was great cold and kept for several days, but I liked it so much that I may try serving it warm next time....sounds good to me!

Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes

I thought I would start off with this easy chocolate lava cake recipe that I found off of the Taste of Home's website.  This is the perfect dessert if you have a sweet tooth after dinner, and you just want a few servings without a lot of fuss.  Plus, the majority of the work is done in the microwave and they are finished off in the oven....these literally took about 10 minutes of prep time!  The original recipe that I will include below made for 4 individual cakes.  Since these were just for me and Kevin, I halved the entire recipe (really easy to do) and made only 2 cakes.  Turned out perfect!  You can serve these with a dollop of whip cream or ice cream on top, or a dusting of powdered sugar like we did.  They reminded me a lot of my favorite chocolate torte dessert at Brio Tuscan Grill, so good!

 Chocolate Lava Cakes

courtesy of Taste of Home

You will need:

-4 tsp sugar

-1/2 cup butter, cubed

-4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (I used ghiraldehllis)

-1 cup powdered sugar

-2 eggs

-2 egg yolks

-1 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules (we use nestle french roast, but you can omit these if you don't have)

-3/4 tsp vanilla extract

-6 tablespoons all purpose flour

-1/2 tsp salt

powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream to garnish

*Grease bottom and sides of 4 small ramekins, and sprinkle each with 1 tsp sugar.  Place ramekins on a baking sheet and set aside.

*In a medium, microwave safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate and stir until smooth.

*Stir in powdered sugar until smooth.  Whisk in the eggs, egg yolks, instant coffee, and vanilla.

*Stir in flour and salt until smooth.  Pour evenly into prepared ramekins.

*Bake at 400 for about 14 minutes, cake sides should be set and the center soft

the internal temperature should reach 160, if you are a dork like me and want to use your thermometer

*Remove ramekins to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.  Carefully run a small knife around cake to loosen edges and carefully invert onto the serving dishes.  Garnish with powdered sugar, whip cream, or ice cream.