Chicken Fried Rice is a tasty and simple dish to throw together that will please almost anyone.  Whether it’s just you or a troop full of hungries, this versatile recipe is ready to fulfill your evening meal needs.

Cooking with leftovers or going from scratch, your choice.

With many imaginatory ingredients in mind, (snow peas, chopped carrots, spinach leaves, mushrooms, peas…the possibilities are endless, really….why am I sticking with TWO?) I made this batch with several stalks of green onion and a bit of broccoli. Fresh broccoli would be the better choice, but I settled for some frozen broccoli cooked for a couple minutes in a tablespoon of water. The semi-crisp broccoli seemed to work out fine. I put it in the pan with the green onions and hot oil..

I cooked it on medium-high heat for a minute or so, then added the chicken..

and lastly the rice to stir fry for another couple minutes…

After two minutes, add the soy sauce and stir the ingredients around so all the rice is adequately covered. Then stir fry for another minute or so.

THEN…

dish into plates or bowls of your choice and watch silence unfold.

Nothing was truly measured here and eggs were left out tonight, but here is the recipe in a couple variations:

• Chicken Fried Rice for ONE
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Cup cold cooked rice
  • handful of any leftover cooked meat, chopped small
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • In skillet, on medium heat, melt margarine & lightly scramble egg. Remove egg from skillet & set on plate till later.
  • In same skillet, heat oil on high heat till very hot. Add green onions & stir 1 minute.
  • Lower heat to medium.
  • Add rice & meat. Stir fry until meat & rice are hot. (approximately 2 minutes)
  • Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Stir & fry 1 more minute.

• Chicken Fried Rice
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. margarine
  • 2-3 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 Cups cold cooked rice
  • 2 Cups cooked meat, chopped small
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • Any other ingredients you choose.
  • In skillet, on medium heat, melt margarine & lightly scramble egg. Remove egg from skillet & set on plate till later.
  • In same skillet, heat oil on high heat till very hot. Add green onions & stir 1 minute.
  • Lower heat to medium.
  • Add rice & meat. Stir fry until meat & rice are hot. (approximately 2 minutes)
  • Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Stir & fry 1 more minute.

Ahh, kettle chips. Back in the day, I used to eat them thoughtlessly while enduring a meaningful sensation of roof-of-the-mouth-tear. The super crunchiness of kettle chips had a feeling and taste that were incomparable to anything else, even RRRuffles’ enervated ridges. The snack food possibilities in the early to late ’80s were somewhat unexciting, especially if you compare them with today, but I’m telling you…kettle chips were IT.

Well that was then, this is now.

Now I don’t like the roof-of-the-mouth-tear so much as I did when I was a kid. At least I don’t understand a feasible meaning for it. Cap’n Crunch cereals are almost off my eating list too. (if only it wasn’t so tasty right out of the box!) As far as food goes, if it rips the roof of my mouth, it better be darn good! The best even!

And that is where Lay’s Kettle Cooked Maui Onion Potato Chips come into play. Frito Lay you are truly a great maker of chips that I adore, but I know you are weak. Weak enough to not be a mouth-tearing disaster. I trust your product name as well as trusting a certain gentleness about your products. No offense, but you will never be Poore Brothers, and that is why I bought you.

Good call on my part.

Lay’s Kettle Cooked Maui Onion Potato Chips were not crunchatized as the Cap’n might do, but they were much crunchier than a regular potato chip. The Maui Onion flavor was gentle and satisfying with almost no fingertip residue. I would actually go so far as to say if Funyuns were a potato chip rather than a corn meal-based “onion flavored ring”, this would be the chip. So if you like Funyuns’ flavor, but prefer the texture of a kettle cooked chip, Lay’s Kettle Cooked Maui Onion Potato Chips may be the answer for you.

Frito Lay, you can’t fool me, but I will keep your Funyuns secret to myself.

Rating:

Peter Gibbons: Hey, guys.
Michael Bolton: What’s up, G?
Peter Gibbons: Want to go to Chotchkie’s? Get some coffee?
Samir: Oh, it’s a little early.
Peter Gibbons: I gotta get outta here. I think I’m gonna lose it.

Female Temp: Uh-oh. Sounds like  somebody’s got a case of the Mondays.

Oh noes…a case of the Mondays is not good! Not on any day!

This macaroni salad on the other hand is good…

Good enough to cure a case of the Mondays! (to those who don’t recognize the lines above, that was a quote snag from the movie Office Space.)

It’s so easy and has very pleasing results. Be gentle with the eggs unless you are a pro. If you don’t have a handy dandy egg slicer which, might I add, would not prevent you from having to slice the opposite direction anyways, then a patient hand is the key. Dice and cut the eggs how you please. None of the eggs will stay completely intact through the stirring process. Finely chop the celery stalks and green pepper too. Onion powder saves the day in this recipe, although some freshly cut red onion could add some more color and crunch.

Behold my chopped celery disguising as chopped green pepper and my beautifully yellow egg yolks next to their little chopped egg white pals.

Add 4 cups of mayo and you’re set.

I have never prepared macaroni salad before, so I misjudged mayo requirements while at the store. I also forgot my neat table for metric conversions and such so I thought this container would be plenty. 

This container of mayo falls just short of 4 cups by the way.

But you know what? It’s Monday and it does not matter!

This makes a lot of salad, but if sealed properly could last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

• M-m-m-macaroni Salad
  • 1 lb. uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 C. real mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp. prepared yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender.
  • Drain and set aside to cool. (rinse with cold water and set aside)
  • In a large bowl stir together the eggs, celery and pepper.
  • In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, salt and onion powder.
  • Combine into the bowl with the eggs and vegetables and stir macaroni until well blended.
  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

I think this is the best macaroni salad I have ever eaten and I swear I’m not just saying that because I made it. I didn’t use level tablespoon measurements when dispensing the mustard, but I enjoyed the outcome. Four tablespoons of mustard must be when the magic happened. If you like the taste of mustard potato salad, then you’ll love over-lapping the three mustard tablespoons. I think I recreated that taste in macaroni salad form, but I liked it!

And with that, enjoy a Milton clip. That poor guy couldn’t even enjoy my M-m-m-macaroni Salad if he tried. Give the brother a slice of cake!!

Of all the simple to make foods that have been shown on whatsinmypot, I was shocked to think hot dogs weren’t featured anywhere.

I mean hot dogs! A fun, summertime food that is so easy to make, whether you are feeding yourself or a large group…fried, steamed, grilled or broiled, a piping hot dog in a warm roll is a tasty treat no matter how you top it.

I topped mine with a thin layer of mayo, shredded lettuce and salt & peppered tomato slices. Then, of course, mustard…a definite hot dog must.

Tasty!

And to accompany the dogs were some Bush’s Original Baked Beans.

One thing I will admit is liking to get the “prize” of the little lardish mystery bit in a can of beans. No one else really wants it. This can was extra intriguing when the mystery bit looked like bacon, not to be confused with Beggin’ Strips, which also look like bacon. I thought I was going to win with this fancy-looking bit of lard. Nope. The three sections on the right dissolved instantly when the chunk was placed on tongue. That fourth section was so odd. Odd enough to make me reference Beggin’ Strips once again. The fourth section was almost unchewable, but I think with persistence it would have gone down the throat. I didn’t stick with it long enough to completely know for myself because the flavor was bland.

Regardless, Bush’s Baked Beans are a tasty canned bean to satisfy a need for a quick side item. Just don’t eat the mystery bit!

And here is a video that I want to share not only because BBQ Pit Boys is a cool name, but because the video is as sedating as it is motivating. You’ll have to watch the video to see what I mean. In the end you are definitely hungry.

And a neat camping trick with hot dogs…

All you need is ten minutes, a knife and some roasting sticks. Cut the ends of each hot dog into quarters leaving about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in the middle uncut. You want to leave enough uncut to stick the fork in. Roast the dogs over the fire or hot coals in a grill. The “legs” will curl out as the hot dogs cook. You can also do them in the kitchen at home over a hot stove burner.

Last but not least, here is a recipe for barbequed hot dogs  that may be the change of pace your dogs are looking for, but you better have quite a few hungry mouths awaiting…

• Barbequed Hot Dogs
  • 3/4 C. chopped onion
  • 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1-1/2 C. chopped celery
  • 1- 1/2 C. ketchup
  • 3/4 C. water
  • 1/3 C. lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 2 - 8 count packages of  hot dogs
  • 16 hot dog buns, split
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, saute onion in butter until tender.
  • Add celery, ketchup, water, lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Cut three ¼ inch deep slits on each side of hot dogs; place in a 2-1/2 quart baking dish.
  • Pour the sauce over the hot dogs.
  • Cover and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Yep, that’s me.

I’m setting my pots and pans aside to share some thoughts of mine.

A wild ride that began in early 2003 has ended victoriously with a Master’s Degree for my husband.

Or in other words a M.S.E. ES S-I-P-P-I!  A Master’s in Software Engineering!

True dedication got him to where he is today. Nothing was given to him freely or easily and I admire his persistence and success. I am continually amazed by his non-stop go get it mind-set and ideas.

drawk, I know you are going far. I can’t wait to see where you go from here…I can only imagine.

There is so much to learn from you and thank you for all you have given me.

I’m not the best at getting sentimental in words, so here is a song that describes pretty much how I’m feeling.

It’s a good listen anyhow…

CONGRATULATIONS!

If you ever wanted to be an ice skating penguin waitress in the Antarctic wearing a do-rag today is your lucky day.

Penguin Diner switches things up a bit compared to many restaurant/diner games, placing you in a different scenario and making for a refreshing, new and cold experience.

Penny the Penguin is stuck on a mountain at Hill Cafe. The goal is to get Penny down the slope to Iceberg Cafe, which will get her home!

Seat and serve penguin customers quickly to meet the daily money goal.

Profits equal upgrades and upgrades equal profits.  Faster skates increase Penny’s speed, better TVs increase customer patience and comfier seats make for bigger tips.

If you want to see how a penguin looks in a t-shirt you’ll have to play for yourself. All three cafes offer different customer clothing and scenery.

Save the penguins today…or at least Penny.

Penguin Dinner

* whatsinmypot.com recognizes but does not take blame for the misspelling of Penguin Diner at smashingames.

When I noticed Chipotle Pepper Marinade at the store, it intrigued my  taste buds.

I know I like the flavor of chipotle peppers, and I was pretty confident that this marinade seasoning mix would not be too peppery for my family to handle.

Grill Time Chipotle Pepper Marinade Seasoning Mix is the store brand equivalent to Grill Mates Chipotle Pepper Marinade, so it was a bit cheaper.

I grab a three pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dinner is set.

Back at home, I’m reading through the ingredients on the back of the package of marinade mix and I got a little bit bothered.

Silicon Dioxide…yum. It is one of many anti-caking agents found in many commercial salts, dried milks, sugar products and flours, in case you never looked. Reminded me more of Chemistry class than dinner. I don’t want to think of anti-caking OR silicon dioxide, while enjoying the smell of a marinade.

Get out of my marinade, you!! How come Grill Mates doesn’t need the anti-caking stuff? Huh? Huh?

I went through with the marinading which only took 30 minutes and out to the grill the chicken went.

As always, (and I think I have the backing of the household on this one) these Chipotle Pepper chicken breasts are very nicely charred, with just the right amount of crispy grilled edges.

I continue to get heart-shaped food and yes it is going to my head.  : )

I enjoyed my Chipotle Pepper chicken with some very tasty Spaghetti Salad, and some jasmine rice for the extra energy I need for Olympic Training…heh. Carbolicious night I suppose.

Grill Time Chipotle Pepper Marinade Seasoning Mix produced a gentle, chipotle pepper taste that was pleasing to the palette, but not to the brain. Anti-cake someone else Grill Time, because I liked your flavor, but I won’t be purchasing you again.

Every time I read this game title, I can’t help but think of non-English languages, Spanish specifically. You know, when a noun precedes the adjective, like; green ball is bola verde, cold water is agua fría or hot pizza is pizza caliente. But Pizza Hot??? C’mon now. It sounds like the game name got lost in translation.

Once I’m over the game’s name, I guess Pizza Hot makes a little more sense once playing, because you need to deliver pizzas…hot.

Ahem, call your game - Pizzas Hot then, eh? (grumble, grumble)

Okay, okay…I’m really over the game’s name now, so let’s talk about it this time for reals.

You are a pizza delivery driver, fully equipped with a shiny yellow scooter and if you want big tips, you better be fast!

Your boss is very boss-like and bossy. As long as you don’t make him go fully cross-eyed, I think he probably appreciates the work you did for him that day.

There are useful power ups as you avoid traffic and police officers who fine for driving on the pavement. (Okay, you can’t avoid the cops, they always know. So abide by traffic laws.) There are coins to collect as well as ramps that are fun to launch your scooter off of.

Yep, airborne pizza delivery…the best kind?!

Well, at least you got your pizza hot.

Ha! I made that name make sense after all! (Perhaps that is what the game maker had in mind)

Give it a try.

Pizza Hot Deliver the Pizzas to the customers as quickly as possible!

Play this free game now!!

The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? How do you celebrate?

I thought to myself, “What better way to celebrate than get Mexican food take-out.”

Not just any ole take-out, though.

Burrito Express, a true family run business and as importantly, home of the Best Bean and Cheese Burrito in Chandler for it’s price.

Sorry Elmer’s Tacos. You were a childhood, high school and adulthood favorite who never did me wrong, but you are no longer the best bean and cheese burrito in Chandler. Regardless, Elmer’s…you still rock.

Where was I? Oh yes…

The Best Bean and Cheese Burrito in Chandler…

For $2.75 you surely cannot find a tastier bean and cheese burrito to fill your belly. Each bite contains exactly what it should. Hearty, homemade refried beans and cheese.

FOUR bites wide of bean and cheese burrito!

Enjoying the lovely picture of eaten food?

Oh my goodness, it was good!

I think the very best part of Burrito Express’ bean and cheese burrito is the tortilla. Its not too thick and not too thin, with a right off of the griddle taste. The little blackened parts on the tortilla add a perfect smokey flavor to this soft and chewy wrap.

This is where I get into trouble.

I should have warned you first.

I can usually only make it halfway through the burrito before I start unfolding all the extra tortilla goodness and pulling off the excess for consumption. The excess is always there for a reason, but I can’t seem to stop grabbing for just one more super chewy piece before I wrap the burrito back up. Then a few bites later, the ultimate blowout comes, but it was my fault.

For under $3, Burrito Express’ Bean and Cheese Burrito is the BEST in Chandler. It is fully satisfying, especially if you are craving Mexican food.

Lastly, what kind of Cinco de Mayo doesn’t include Selena?! Here’s a really fun tune that’s worth a listen, especially if you haven’t heard it for awhile.

Flatbread Express says: Create, cook and serve up delicious food for the hungry customers.

Susanna says: These customers sure are picky. As long as you top the flatbread with the correct ingredients, it won’t brown in the microwave (don’t ask me) and the daily money goal will be met.

As money is earned, upgrades can be purchased to help better serve the customers’ needs and make your day easier too.

Flatbread Express might be just the game you are looking for. And you may even come out of it topping flatbreads like a champ!

Flatbread Express Create, cook and serve up delicious food for the hungry customers.

Play this free game now!!