Main Dish Monday

Funny thing about inspiration you never know where it is going to come from, how it will strike.  Case in point this blog, it started on a whim, a jest, and has evolved into a journey of a rather unique self discovery 

I might say.  Yes we come here for our own reasons, many to see what pictures I may post, or how I may work a recipe into a story line.  I have to admit, this off season has proven quite difficult in many ways.  Yes I could keep going with the re-run/re-boot of the material that I have used.  Since some of you may not have seen it, or you may have said oh wait I forgot about that.  Then you look at it with new eyes, and say hey maybe today I'll try it.

I know my grandmother inspired me when it came to cooking, no big surprise.  I pretty much grew up watching her, emulating her, even pretending to interview her on her cooking techniques.   Heaven knows I have way too many memories of being in that house seeing her in that kitchen over the stove.  Best thing about it all, everything was homemade.  Who would have ever guessed that those times we were creating memories, we would be fueling the inspiration for a blog and I hope many more people to enjoy the love of cooking as well.   



You you what the best part of it all was,  the time we would be together, maybe even  she complained about how long she spent preparing everything, and in just a short time everyone gobbled it all up. You know they truly loved it, they did!  How could they not, when you create something that good you have to eat, and enjoy with gusto and satisfaction.   



This is where my love of food and cooking started, so what about you?  Food for thought today.  So what is that all inspiration is?  Do you just see something, maybe read something, or just possibly there may be a little something just enticing enough to draw you in and make you want to try that dish just once.  

Grilled Chicken, Orange and Pineapple Skewers With Zucchini Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6 to 7), cut into 1 1⁄2-inch pieces
1 small red onion, cut into 1 1⁄2-inch pieces
¼ fresh pineapple cubed or use chunks of canned pineapple
1 navel orange, cut into 16 pieces
2-3 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for the grill
1/4-1/3 cup orange juice
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
 salt and black pepper

1. Soak 8 small wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. 
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, onion, and orange with the oil, orange juice, cumin, cayenne, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper; let marinate for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours. Thread onto the skewers. 
3. Cook the rice according to the package directions. Remove from heat, then sprinkle the zucchini over the rice, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the zucchini. 
4. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium, lightly oil the grate, and grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is just tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve over rice.