Chicken Bryan

Chicken Bryan
1 T minced garlic
1 T minced onion
2 T butter
6 T balsamic vinegar
juice of 2 lemons (1/4 c)
2/3 c cold butter, cubed
1 1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
1/2 t salt, plus a little more
1 t pepper, separated
6 boneless chicken breasts
olive oil
8 oz goat cheese, at room temperature

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute garlic and onion in butter until soft; stir in vinegar and lemon juice, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer to reduce to half.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in butter, one piece at a time; stir in tomatoes, basil, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper; remove from heat and set aside.
3. Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper; grill over hot coals until cooked through, about 7-10 minutes on each side. A few minutes before chicken is done, place equal amounts of goat cheese on each piece.
Serve topped with tomato sauce.

Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps

Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps
1 1/2 c prewashed quinoa
2 1/4 c water
salt and pepper, to taste
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
1/2 c plain [greek] yogurt
1/4 c fresh mint, minced
3 T red wine vinegar
2 T fresh oregano, minced
1/2 c olive oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1 shallot, minced
1- 6 oz can black olives, chopped
romaine lettuce

1. Toast quinoa in a large pan over medium heat, stirring often, until quinoa is lightly toasted and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in water and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Spread quinoa out on a baking sheet to cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a blender, blend feta, yogurt, mint, vinegar, oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper until smooth. With blender running, slowly add olive oil until well mixed.
3. In a large bowl, toss quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, shallot, olives, and 2/3 cup of the dressing to coat well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place quinoa mixture in lettuce leaves and drizzle with remaining dressing.

Naan

Naan
1 t yeast
3/4 c lukewarm water
1 1/4 t sugar, separated
1 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
2 c flour
2 T olive oil
2 1/2 T Greek yogurt

1. Combine yeast, water, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar in a glass bowl; let sit for about 10 minutes, until frothy.
2. In a separate bowl (I like to use my Kitchenaid with the hook attachment), mix the remaining teaspoon of sugar with the salt, baking soda, and flour; stir in oil, yogurt, and yeast mixture to form dough.
3. Cover the dough in a warm place for 3-4 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Knead the dough and then separate into 6- 8" circles.
5. Place pizza stone in the oven; preheat oven to 500* and then switch it to broil.
6. Wet your hands slightly before handling the dough and placing it on the pizza stone.
7. Bake for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until puffed up and golden. You should be able to fit 2-3 of the naan on the stone at a time. Wait a few minutes between batches to allow the stone to heat back up again.

Basic Hummus

Basic Hummus
1- 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained
2 cloves garlic
2 T olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Place beans in a medium saucepan, add enough water to cover, and cook over medium-high heat until the beans start to float.
2. Meanwhile, in a small pan, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil.
3. Combine beans, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Mediterranean Orzo

Mediterranean Orzo
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 t (or 2 cloves) minced garlic
1/2 t dried oregano
1/2 t salt, plus more as needed
1/4 t pepper
1/2 t sugar
1 c orzo
1/4 c packed, or 1/2 c loose, golden raisins
1/4 c chopped black olives
1/4-1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1/4 c thinly sliced fresh basil
1/4-1/2 c crumbled feta cheese

1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl.
2. Fill medium pot about 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil; add salt (I used about a tablespoon) and bring back up to a boil.
3. Add orzo and cook a little past al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain orzo well; while still hot, add to dressing and coat well.
5. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally; stir in raisins, olives, onions, and basil.
6. Add feta and toss lightly. Serve at room temperature.