Vegetarian Fried Chicken

Let me first say that I am NOT vegan or vegetarian. However, I am trying to lessen the meat consumption in my household. One thing we love is fried chicken. And this recipe is the closest to fried chicken that I've found  and I've tried more than a few recipes.

It even looks like chicken, right? I made this recently for my dad and didn't tell him that it was mock chicken until after he gobbled it all up. He was shocked. 

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

2 teaspoons salt seasoning (I like Lawry's)
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoon baking powder
3 1/2 cups canola oil, for frying
2 boxes chicken breast (I use the brand Quorn. In the original recipe, she used Gardein. I tried Gardein and thought it was absolutely disgusting)

Directions: 

Heat canola oil over medium – high heat in a frying pan

Whisk salt seasoning, all purpose flour, and nutritional yeast in a shallow bowl.

Mix together mustard and water in a separate bowl. Stir 1/3 cup of the flour mixture to the mustard and water. Add a little season salt to this mixture. 

Whisk baking powder into the remaining flour mixture.

Dip the chicken breast into the mustard and then the flour, one at a time.

Fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown.



*Adapted from www.thesweetestvegan.com

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls

My most requested recipe....

If you like a buffalo wing, you will LOVE this recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls 

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 1/3 cup Frank's Hot Sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp Cheddar
• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs beaten
• 2 cups italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Have oil heated to 350 degrees F.

Discard skin on chicken. Shred chicken in bowl and add the hot sauce, pepper and cheese. Roll the chicken into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. 

When the oil is hot fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 minutes per batch or until golden brown. Remove the chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil. Serve with ranch or blue cheese. 

Tip: A deep fryer gives the best results. If you fry on stove top, make sure to move the balls around during the frying process for even browning. 

Energy Balls

I'm always looking for healthy snacks for my kids. I came across a pin for Energy Balls (like kids need more energy). I made them this morning and they are delicious and so easy to make. No cooking required! Just mix everything together in the bowl and you have a tasty snack. I personally will be using these on the mornings we are running late for school. I had two today and I was too full to eat lunch. 

Here's the recipe: 

• 1 cup of oatmeal (I used regular old fashioned oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 1-1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raisins

Put all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Place ingredients in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes (this will make it easier to form into balls). Once the mixture is chilled, roll into balls. Enjoy!

*Tip: Moisten hands with water before rolling energy balls. 

Link to original recipe: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/

Pizza Rolls Recipe

3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Grand Biscuits (10 per can) 
Bag of pepperoni
Mix of Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese block 
1 beaten egg
Parmesan
2 tbsp Italian seasoning 
2 tbsp Garlic powder 
1 jar pizza sauce

Cut the block of cheese into 28 squares. Flatten a biscuit out and layer pepperoni, cheese, pepperoni (where the pepperoni is sandwiching the cheese). Gather up the edges of the biscuit. Line up the rolls in a greased 9x13 pan. Brush tops with  beaten egg. Sprinkle with parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bake at 425°F for 18 minutes.