Fall Salad and Easy Sesame Chicken!

Okay. First, I FINALLY made Sheperd's Pie (http://verslareesa.blogspot.com/2011/08/shepherds-pie-and-guacamole.html) and here's a picture of it. I used ground beef, sauteed the veggies to cook them, and lots and lots and lots of mustard! Yummy.

Secondly, I have tried two new DELICIOUS recipes. The first: a roasted veggie salad. Healthy, delicious, and an easy way to use up all those cool-weather veggies.

AUTUMN ROASTED VEGGIE SALAD

Potatoes
Red Peppers
Squash
Rosemary
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Garlic
Spring Greens
Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

1) Slice the first three veggies thinly (1/4"). Use however much you want; I used a total of about 3/4 cup for my single salad.
2) Coat in olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper and arrange evenly on a baking sheet.
3) Cook for 15-20 minutes, continually checking on them and flipping/stirring them. When they start to carmelize (peppers&squash)/brown(potatoes), they are done.
4) Arrange spring greens, and layer the roasted veggies on top.
5) Finish with honey mustard vinaigrette.

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

I used homemade mustard, which is the simplest homemade condiment on earth. In a food processor, pulverize mustard seeds (I buy mine at the Whole Foods) and add water (spicy) or vinegar (mild) until it is a desirable consistency. Then, use it to make this awesome vinaigrette!

1 part mustard
2 parts honey
3 parts cider vinegar
9 parts olive oil
Mix well, and readjust to taste. I ended up adding more mustard and vinegar.

Aaaand the second recipe! An easy, healthy alternative to sesame chicken from your local Asian restaurant. I didn't use sesame seeds the first time, but when make it again I'm for sure adding them!

SESAME CHICKEN

1-2 chicken breasts
butter
cayenne pepper
flour

Sauce, inspired by this recipe.
1/2 cup water
1 cup chicken boullion
2 Tbsp vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp spicy stuff--cayenne pepper or something


1) Slice the chicken breast into pieces. Put it in a plastic bag with enough flour to coat it all and some cayenne pepper.
2) Fry on medium heat until the chicken is browned.
3) Mix the rest of the ingredients together on low heat to make a sauce. Test taste; you may need a little more sugar. You can add some corn starch or flour to make it thicker, or just let it simmer for a bit until it thickens.
4) When the chicken is done, pour the sauce over it and let it cook 2-3 minutes more. Add steamed brocolli for some extra deliciousness!

Best served with basmati rice.