Savoring Leftovers: From Delectable Chicken Satay to a Premium Crock-Pot Giveaway!

Life’s most delicious moments often spring from the simplest of circumstances, and sometimes, even from a well-stocked fridge of leftovers. Tonight was one such occasion, a testament to the versatility of smart meal planning and the joy of spontaneous culinary combinations. We embarked on a “scavenger hunt” for dinner, pulling together a delightful ensemble from past meals: a handful of delectable chicken satay skewers remaining from a lively party the previous evening, and a couple of beautifully roasted sweet potatoes that had graced our table a few dinners prior. Meanwhile, the little one, W, had a simpler request, opting for his comforting oatmeal alongside a fresh banana and pear.

Our appetites were somewhat subdued, primarily because this afternoon had been dedicated to a charming road trip. We ventured out to the picturesque Turner Valley, a drive I absolutely adore, especially in the fall when the rolling hills are ablaze with autumnal hues. The scenic route is a treat for the eyes and the soul, offering a perfect escape from the everyday. Our destination for lunch was the delightful Route 40 Soup Company, a local gem that always hits the spot. Their hearty and flavorful soups, coupled with the cozy ambiance, meant none of us required a particularly substantial dinner.

Later in the evening, my culinary adventures continued as I joined some girlfriends for an eagerly anticipated night out at JaroBlue, a popular spot known for its vibrant atmosphere, creative drinks, and enticing tapas. The experience, however, proved to be a mix of highs and lows. We arrived around 8 PM, having called ahead to inquire about seating, as JaroBlue famously doesn’t take reservations. We were assured they’d accommodate our group of eight, but this accommodation turned into an extended wait. We started our evening at the pub next door, enjoying drinks for about an hour before returning to JaroBlue. We were eventually seated outside, close to 10 PM, despite the evening chill beginning to set in. The reason for the delay? We were waiting for a pair of diners occupying the large, comfortable couch area (perfect for eight) to finish their leisurely dessert, followed by a cheese plate.

By the time they finally departed and we could move inside around 11 PM, we had already ordered our food and were well into enjoying our tapas al fresco. While it was pleasant enough to sit outside, the temperature was a little too cool for food to stay warm and truly shine. The tapas themselves were, for the most part, truly excellent – a testament to JaroBlue’s culinary aspirations. However, there were a few disappointments. The most notable was the molten maple cake, which, to all of us, failed to deliver on its promise of a rich maple flavor. It was tasty, certainly, but its maple whisper was far too subtle for a dessert that demands a 20-minute advance order, building up extra anticipation for a truly maple-infused experience. For future visits, we concluded that the chocolate marquise and crème brûlée were much safer and more satisfying bets, consistently delivering on their decadent reputations.

The Magic of Chicken Satay: A Simple Recipe for Ultimate Tenderness

For last night’s party, I specifically chose a package of chicken fillets – those small, tender strips sometimes attached to the chicken breast, often removed and sold separately at a premium per pound. While they can be pricier, I often find them entirely worth the investment. Not only are they unbelievably tender, especially after a good marinade, but they also come pre-portioned into ideal strips, making them perfect for homemade chicken fingers or, in this case, exquisite chicken satay. They truly are nature’s convenience food, streamlining meal preparation without sacrificing quality.

My secret to achieving such succulent satay lies in a simple yet effective marinade. I blend together a rich mix of yogurt, fragrant onion, pungent garlic, zesty ginger, a spoonful of aromatic curry paste, and a selection of complementary spices. All these ingredients are pulsed in a food processor until they form a thick, creamy sludge. This flavorful concoction is then poured over the chicken strips in a Ziploc bag, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. An added bonus? If you decide to freeze the chicken in this marinade, the yogurt acts as a fantastic natural insulator, helping to protect against freezer burn and preserving the chicken’s tenderness and flavor for future enjoyment.

It’s quite amusing, but I just realized that I posted the satay recipe exactly 100 days ago. So, while I won’t be diving deep into the full recipe again today, rest assured it’s a proven winner that you can easily find in my archives. The beauty of these chicken fillets, combined with the power of a yogurt-based marinade, guarantees a delicious and effortless dish every time.

Unveiling a Slow-Cooking Marvel: Our New Premium Crock-Pot!

Beyond the satay and the sweet potatoes, there’s even more exciting news in my kitchen: a brand spanking new Crock-Pot! And not just any slow cooker, but a truly premium model. The story behind its arrival is quite a tale.

Last week, my doorbell rang, and to my surprise, a FedEx delivery person began unloading boxes upon boxes of Crock-Pots into my front foyer. This sudden influx of slow-cooking wonders was for a food styling gig I have scheduled for next week. A thoughtful PR firm in Toronto wanted to ensure I had more than enough equipment for the shoot, sending a generous supply.

Among the many boxes were two particularly impressive units: programmable Premium Edition Versaware Crock-Pots. These aren’t your average slow cookers; they feature innovative stoneware inserts that are not only removable but also incredibly versatile, designed for use directly in the oven and even on the stovetop, much like a high-end Dutch oven such as a Le Creuset. This multifunctionality makes them an invaluable addition to any kitchen, capable of searing, slow cooking, and even baking all in one vessel. It simplifies cooking and reduces cleanup, making meal preparation a breeze.

Upon closer inspection, I discovered a delightful surprise: one of these magnificent slow cookers had my name on it, a fantastic perk of the job! But here’s the best part – the other premium Crock-Pot is up for grabs. My immediate thought was, of course, to ship it off to one of you, my wonderful readers. But the burning question remains: whom?

Your Chance to Win: The Great Crock-Pot Giveaway!

The idea for this giveaway sparked about a month ago when I noticed SmittenKitchen held a contest for a reusable shopping bag. To enter, readers simply had to post a comment. She received an astounding 2536 comments, and I must admit, I felt a pang of “comment envy”!

Now, you may have noticed that my humble blog doesn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of 2536 comments on a single post, which means your odds of winning this fantastic Premium Edition Versaware Crock-Pot are significantly better! This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your kitchen arsenal with a versatile and top-of-the-line slow cooker, perfect for crafting everything from hearty stews and chilis to tender roasts and even desserts with minimal effort.

How to Enter: Share Your Dinner Delights!

To enter this exciting giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Please ensure you include your email address in your comment (or in the designated email field, if available) so that I can easily contact you if you’re the lucky winner and arrange for shipping. And while you’re commenting, let’s make this a little culinary conversation!

I’m genuinely curious about what you had for dinner tonight (or last night, depending on when you’re reading this). Don’t worry, there’s no need to provide elaborate recipes – just a simple mention of your meal is perfect. I find it fascinating to learn about what everyone else is eating, the diverse culinary choices that populate our daily lives. As the insightful Laurie Colwin once wisely said, “It is not just the Great Works of mankind that make a culture; it is the daily things, like what people eat and how they serve it.” So, let’s celebrate those daily culinary moments together!

Sharing your dinner ideas not only enters you into the contest but also fosters a wonderful community of food lovers. Perhaps your comment will inspire someone else’s next meal, or spark a conversation about different regional dishes or cooking techniques. Slow cooking, in particular, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its convenience and ability to transform simple ingredients into deeply flavorful meals. Think about how this premium Crock-Pot could revolutionize your weeknight dinners, making meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked meal, ready to serve, after a long day – that’s the slow cooker dream!

Contest Deadline: Don’t Miss Out!

We’ll need a clear deadline for this exciting contest. So, let’s mark our calendars: the giveaway will close next Wednesday, October 8th, at midnight MST (Mountain Standard Time). Make sure to get your comments in before then!

Once the deadline passes, I’ll assign a number to each valid comment and use a random number generator to select our fortunate winner. The lucky individual will receive this incredible Premium Edition Versaware Crock-Pot, ready to elevate their cooking game. Good luck to everyone, and I look forward to reading about all your wonderful dinner experiences!