Jacque Made: a place to share my creative side.

Pico de gallo is so delicious and so easy to prepare. All you need is tomato, white onion (or red onion), and cilantro. Chop them all and mix together.  For guacamole, I like to mix ripe avocado, chopped cilantro, garlic powder or garlic salt to taste, and lime juice. Then, I'll even add some pico de gallo to the guacamole for extra flavor and texture.  One of our family's favorites is chicken quesadillas. I like to marinate and grill chicken breasts and then make quesadillas.  I always add some kosher salt to the quesadillas to bring out all the flavors.   And then enjoy with pico, guac, and sour cream. Delicious!

These Bobby Flay quesadillas are so delicious. The chicken is full of flavor from being marinated, and the veggies add so much flavor, too. Add some yummy guacamole and salsa, and you'll be one happy lady or man. (I made mine with grilled mushrooms instead of eggplant, since I love mushrooms and had them on hand.)   What the filling looks like if you make them open faced... so delicious! Ingredients Marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 jalapenos, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast Salt and freshly ground pepper Caramelized Onions: 2 large red onion, finely sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro Salt and freshly ground pepper Grilled Eggplant: 1 Japanese eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices Olive oil Salt and pepper Package of sliced por...

I have to admit that I've been in a total cooking slump lately... cooking the same ol' stuff over and over. Thankfully Jaime introduced me to this recipe. And I have to say, I am in love. It's so tasty and so worth any extra time put in to making it. Try it soon! You'll fall in love, too. Rachael Ray's Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders with Tangy Maple Syrup Dressing Ingredients: Vegetable oil, for frying 1 1/3 to 2 pounds chicken tenders Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 eggs, beaten with a splash of milk or water 1 cup plain bread crumbs 1 cup pecans, processed in food processor to finely chop 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated or ground 1 orange, zested Dressing: 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup tangy barbecue sauce 1 navel orange, juiced 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped 6 radishes, thinly sliced 6 scallions, trimmed and ch...