Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

I recently discovered this quick and easy method for preparing chicken fajitas.  The seasoned chicken and veggies are roasted in one pan in the oven.  While they are cooking, there is time to prepare the guacamole and other fixin's.

• 4 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion,  halved and then cut in slices
• 1-2 Tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
• fajita seasoning (recipe below) or 2 tablespoons of packaged taco seasoning mix
• 6 - 8" tortillas 
• Avocado, salsa, sour cream, cheese for toppings.

Fajita Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder  
• dash of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper  

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
3. Combine seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
4. Distribute the veggies and chicken pieces evenly over the bottom of the pan.  Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss to coat.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.  
6. Stir and return to oven for another 10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender.
7. Serve hot from the oven on warm tortillas with optional toppings, as desired.

Mexican Brunch Casserole

We are fans of Betty's farmer sausage quiche, so when I came across a recipe for a Mexican hashbrown casserole that was quite similar, I knew we would enjoy it. And we did!

• 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 4-6 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled or chopped
• 1 cup corn, fesh, frozen or canned
• 1 can (19 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Tex Mex cheese
• 8 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Combine hashbrowns, bacon, corn, beans, sweet pepper and onion and spread evenly in a 9x13-inch pan or two 9-inch pie plates.
2. Spead shreded cheese on top.
3. Whisk remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour evenly over potato mixture.
4. Bake at 350° F uncovered for 55-60 minutes, or until knife inserted in centre comes clean.  (If using pie plates, reduce baking time to 30-40 minutes). 
5. Serve with salsa.  

*This dish is easy to prepare in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Here's a salad that is refreshing, simple and perfect for the patio season!  The honey and citrus dressing really makes the fruit pop. You can add or subtract fruits to your taste.

10 cups of fresh fruit (as follows, or your choice)

• pineapple, cored and cut into small pieces
• orange segments
• strawberries, cut up
• red grapes, halved
• fresh blueberries
• kiwi, cut in bite size pieces
• shredded coconut, optional

1. Place cut fruit in large bowl and refrigerate.
2. Add citrus honey dressing (below) just before serving and toss.
3. Sprinkle with coconut, if desired.

 Citrus Honey Dressing:

• 1/4 cup liquid honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4  cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

1. Place ingredients in small jar and shake to combine.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

How can you go wrong with a fresh fruit salad?

Enjoy!