Chicken Tostadas

This recipe is adapted from a book called Celebrations. I looove the avocado salsa on top.

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for tortillas
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-4 oz can diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6-6 inch tortillas
• 1/2 small head of lettuce, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Avocado Salsa

In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp oil over med heat. Add chicken and cook until cooked through. Add garlic & cook 30-60 seconds. Add green chilies & sour cream; stir well. Cook over low heat until hot. Cover and set aside.

Generously brush tortillas with veg oil on both sides. Place a well-greased 10- inch skillet over medium heat. Fry tortillas, one at a time, for about 30 seconds on each side or until lightly browned and blistered. Remove from skillet & stack.

Arrange lettuce on each tortilla. Top with chicken mixture; sprinkle with cheese & tomato. Spoon avocado salsa on top. Makes 6 servings.

Avocado Salsa

• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil*
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted & chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped

In a small bowl, combine all salsa ingredients & stir together. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

*I cut the oil down to about 1 Tbsp, and it was great.

I also plan to top it with sautéed mushrooms and chopped green onions this week.

Spanish Rice

2 T vegetable oil

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

½ green or red bell pepper, chopped

2 cups water or chicken broth

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cumin

Fresh or dried parsley to taste

Jalepeno, chopped, to taste (with or without seeds)

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion, garlic, and pepper for a couple minutes.  Add rice and sauté until rice is nicely browned and onions are tender.  Stir in all other ingredients.  Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.