From the kitchen of Dave and Ronni Aronson

We all like to cook and enjoy the taste of our labors.  We don't like to work real hard for what we like though.  The following are some easy recipes that can add a bit of change to our regular food fare. 

I invite you to send me your favorite easy recipe.  Something that might be a bit on the wild side or easy to duplicate.  Remember, your name will be on it so don't send us something untried.

FAST AND FESTIVE COSTCO (SAMS OR OTHERS) ROTISSERIE CHICKEN CHILE
Only 7 items in this easy crock-pot creation.  If you are hurting on time and want a simple, quick but hardy meal, try this.  Great as a sandwich.

1 Rotisserie chicken
2 Tblsp chile pepper
1 tsp salt (optional)
2 tsp pepper (to taste)
3 cans (14.5oz) sliced tomatoes (Try Hunt's fire roasted diced or S&W Italian Sliced) actually any will do.  The chile will pretty much overpower the seasoning in the canned tomatoes.
1 Onion chopped
3 cloves fresh garlic diced and pressed.

In a little olive oil cook the garlic and onions until translucent and soft. Peel all the meat from the chicken.  For more flavor throw the skin in.  For you that are keeping a low fat posture, eliminate the skin.  Shred the breasts meat as you disassemble the chicken.  Add everything into the crock-pot and cook on high for two hours. Add more chile powder and other spices to taste.

Variation:  Add beans of your choice, green peppers, what every you have that you are wanting to clear out of your refrigerator. 

FORTH OF JULY VEGETARIAN TRAINER BURGER AKA: HAWAIIAN BURGER -
Don't let it's looks make your saliva flow without trying it.  YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!

1/2 lb  beef hamburger (10% or less fat) each patty,
1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce each patty
1 tablespoon fine chopped onion per patty
1 tablespoon fine chopped green bell-pepper (optional, burp) per patty
1 Fresh lemon
Salt & Pepper
chapatti bread buns (nice ones at Costco)
Sharp Medium Cheddar Cheese (Alternate light swiss for less tang)
One fresh pineapple
Three slightly green bananas
Sliced sweet onion
lettuce
Tomato

Form 1/2 lb patties, combine werchestershire,chopped onion and bell-pepper, brush with  werchestershire, salt & pepper as preferred, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.  Refrigerate patties for one hour or longer.
Prepare the pineapple by cutting the outer skin and slicing down making 1/4-1/2 in. slices.  Slice bananas lengthwise as if putting on a banana split.  Slice onions, lettuce and tomatoes and plate for burger assembly.  Thin the Ciabitta buns removing about 1/2 in of center.  This allows you to actually eat the burger.  If you leave it stock you will need a dentist to reduce your locked jaw after trying to eat it.

Cook the hamburger to your liking adding cheese (optional) just before removing.  BBQ the pineapple slices, turning when you see a little darkening around edges.   BBQ the banana on aluminum foil sprayed with Spam. No need to turn.

Add condiments to the bun as you like. Please no catsup.  Build burger putting the slice of pineapple on top of the meat patty, then the thin banana.  Scrape the bananas off the foil with a spatula.  It's the cooked banana taste your after not the look of a banana. You can have both with a little practice.  Onion can go on the bottom.  Now you know why we cut some of the bun out.  It is OK TO PRESS THE BURGER FOR COMPACTION.  Serve with your favorite chips or grilled veggies. 

The caramelized sugar from the pineapple and banana add an element of taste to the burger that has been missing in past burgers.  If you want to try a vegetarian lifestyle I suggest this is where you start.   Happy 4th.  GOD BLESS THIS COUNTRY.......

Sumertime Mint Pineapple Shortribs