lemony goodness....

i really like to eat. no. i dont think you understand. i live to eat. i know some people that don't get much satisfaction out of food. i truly feel sorry for them.

so me and chris went out for my birthday last night. we went to firestone here in lethbridge. i think i could classify firestone my favourite restaruant right now. i think i have had really good luck ordering food there. i havnt tried everything by any means but here are a few things i have tried. They have a lemonade menu. WHAT! how amazing is that. there is coconut lemonade (my personal fav), strawberry rhubarb (also really good), peach lemonade, blueberry lemonade, and a manly lemonade (whatever that is?). How fun is that!!!
i also really like there lemon pepper wings. they are just saturated in lemon juice, the good lemon juice. you know, the kind that is actually from a lemon.. hmmmm so good! i orderred the sonoma sandwich... pretty good... kind of a sweet sandwich... but any way. i have no real idea why i am writing about food right now. but what i do know is i googled and searched for a recipe that looks very similar to the one i had.. i havent tried it yet but i am going to very soon!

Coconut Lemonade
3 cups water
2/3 cup lemon juice ( from real lemons!)
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp coconut beverage flavoring syrup or cream of coconut
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
1/2 cup frozen red raspberries ( or fresh)
ice cubes(optional)

• In a large bowl combine water, lemon juice, sugar, and coconut syrup. Stir until sugar is well dissolved. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
• To serve, transfer lemon mixture to a serving bowl or pitcher. Add blueberries and raspberries. If desired, serve over ice cubes.

doesnt that look absaloutley scruptious! i am so excited to try it. oh, another good thing to get a firestone restraunt is 'them donuts' oh i love those. as you can see i am very very hungry right now! do you know what i really want right now? some dulce de leche cheesecake from the cheesecake factory!!! ahhh, to die for!

i must be honest. most of my days include at least one viewing of a cooking show. i live for barefoot contessa. she makes so many lovely things. the main thing i want her to make for me is her chicken picatta, and well, everything else she makes. Chris will actually watch barefoot contessa over the bachelorette! yes, i know shocking. every girl knows the bachelorette is pretty intense..ha.

here is one of my all time fav recipes that has lemon in it.....it is called

beachstreet lemon chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• zest from one lemon
• juice from one lemon (about 3 Tablespoons)
• 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed (smashed with the back of a large knife or saucepan)
• 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  
• juice of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 10-12 chicken tenders
• 
  

Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix, then pour into a Ziploc plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat. Refrigerate 3-12 hours.



Directions:
When ready to cook, pour contents of plastic bag (both marinade and chicken)I USUALLY MAKE TWO MARINADES SO I DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE RAW CHICKEN IN THE MARINADE. IF YOU CHOOSE TO NOT MAKE TWO MARINADES. AFTER MARINATING CHICKEN PUT CHICKEN IN TO FRYIN PAN TO COOK AND PUT MARINADE IN SEPERATE POT. BOIL FOR 5-10 MIN. THEN ADD BACK INTO CHICKEN PAN) into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat. Cook until chicken is no longer pink and sauce is reduced by half.


Combine juice of one lemon, lemon zest, olive oil, green onions, Parmesan cheese ( USE GOOD PARM, IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE) and fresh parsley together in a small bowl. Set aside. ( I DO THIS TO TASTE, SOME DONT LIKE IT AS LEMONY)


While the chicken is cooking, prepare linguine according to package directions; drain and add to pan with chicken. Pour lemon juice/olive oil/green onion mixture over pasta and mix well. Serve warm.

okay enough is enough. all this food talk has got me a little delerious. this post was supposed to be a recap of the summer but it turned into me talking about food. how random, yet so expected. if you like Lemon as much as i do... you are bound to like one of these recipes...see ya.