Recipe Review

So finally, I got to cook out of one of my new cookbooks that I bought last week. Saturday morning G and I got up early and went to the Farmer's Market to buy fresh, organic veggies and then we finally went to the grocery on Sunday for everything else. So, last night night I busted out the "Cook Yourself Skinny" cookbook and tried the Chicken and Bean Burritos with Pineapple Salsa.

And let me just say... it was pretty good! It kind of took forever to make though (I am not so sure the "in minutes" part on the cover of the book is accurate). And I was even trying to make everything at once to make the process go faster.

But in the end, the burritos were light, flavorful and yummy! And best of all, G liked them too. Sometimes the healthy recipes can taste a little flat, probably because we are so used to so much salt in our meals, but with the pineapple and red onion mixed together there was really a little suprise there.

I would suggest trying out this recipe, and maybe even have it for friends... since it's kind of a "make your own burrito" with the specific ingredients.

Here's the recipe if you don't feel like making the jump:

Serves 4
Calories per serving, chicken and bean burritos: 436
Calories per serving, pineapple salsa: 28

For the chicken and bean burritos
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained, if frozen
1 15 1/2-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeño (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 pound bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts
3 peppercorns
1 carrot, sliced

1 bay leaf
3 medium tomatoes (2 quartered, 1 diced)
1 white onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 medium flour tortillas
1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar
1/4 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

For the pineapple salsa
1 cup ripe pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup red onions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add beans, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, salt and cayenne, and stir until well mixed; set aside.

2. Put the chicken, peppercorns, carrot, bay leaf and 3 of the garlic cloves in a large saucepan, and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly in the broth. Remove the chicken from the broth, and remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into small pieces, and return the meat to the broth.

3. Put the quartered tomatoes, onion and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato mixture and cook, stirring until thickened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shredded chicken to the tomato mixture. Stir until well mixed.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Warm the tortillas, one at a time, until pliable, about 1 minute. Divide the cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, bean mixture and chicken with its sauce among the tortillas, spreading the ingredients in a line down the center. Fold in the top and bottom, and then roll in the sides. Serve immediately.

5. To make the pineapple salsa: Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Set aside.

*I have not been paid to advertise Cook Yourself Skinny or any of the recipes in the book. I am merely giving my review based on trying it at home and sharing with others