A delicious and healthy Christmas dinner.

In 2012 I took charge of my health and made a "u-turn" to a different lifestyle. Back in June my journey began and I knew that when the Holiday Season came I wanted to continue with those changes. I did not know how I would go about it, but I knew I was going to stay onboard!

Last November it was confirmed that we would be hosting Christmas and New Year's Eve for our family. As soon as I knew I began searching online for healthy and delicious recipes. Around this time was when I received my November issue of Self Magazine and saw the recipe that would make my mouth water. It looked easy to prepare and most importantly it would have my family in "ohs" and "ahs". 

The recipe?

Herbed Chicken and Squash... 

Here are some images of what it looks like while preparing, baking and served. I loved that I served it with vegetables, as you can see on my plate I had cauliflower, mashed potatoes, zucchini and the chicken. Please note that the entire meal was made from scratch and I am proud of myself. :D

For complete recipe make sure you visit Self's website or pinterest board! They also have it there. 

Thank you Self, for sharing amazing, healthy and delicious recipes! This family approves them. 

Mima's Arroz con Pollo {Rice and Chicken Cuban Style}

My grandmother was Cuban, in my opinion she was the best cook and grandmother in the world {sorry mom ;) } She could mend any torn clothes or rag dolls and she could knit too. She taught me how to cook Cuban food and I love the fact that I could call her and ask what or how to do something and the recipes would always taste like hers! She is not with us anymore, but I still have her in my heart and in my kitchen... Great memories! So today I'd like to share one of our family's favorite Cuban meals... Arroz con Pollo! Mima {how we called her} style.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Yellow Onion chopped into tiny pieces
3 Cups of white rice
2 Boneless/Skinless chicken breasts*
1 Tsp of minced garlic
1 Can of tomato puree
1/4 Tsp of Bijol  {it's a condiment or spice that is used for Paellas, Chicken, Yellow rice}
2 Tbsp of Knorr Chicken Bouillon
1 Small jar of red bell pepper chopped
1/4 Tsp of Paprika
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 Cup of White Wine or Beer
1/4 Cup of Olive Oil
1 Medium size jar of green manzanilla olives -stuffed with pepper or simply pitted {optional ingredient}

PREPARATION:

1.- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Sauté yellow onion, rice, chicken, garlic in the olive oil for about 8 minutes or until chicken is cooked on the outside. 

2.- Add tomato pure and mix, add bijol and mix. Add water {rule of thumb is 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice}. Add Chicken Bouillon, bell pepper, olives, paprika and wine {or} beer and mix all ingredients. On top place bay leaf.

3.- Let cook as you would normally cook rice. 

We like to enjoy ours with a garden salad and some Tostones or Maduros (ripe plantains fried). I love cooking this meal in a my rice cooker, makes it easier and once it is fully cooked it turns off on its own. 

*You may use any part of the chicken you'd like, we just love chicken breast because we love white meat.