Author: Katelyn

On a cutting board, lay your chicken breasts out and cover with a layer of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken so each price is even — this will help the chicken cook evenly. Marinate in Italian dressing for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

While the chicken is marinating, caramelize the onions in a sauté pan with olive oil and set aside. In the same sauté pan, cook the chicken so that it is brown on both sides. I also seasoned mine with a little Heffer Dust from Recteq. Once chicken is almost cooked thoroughly, add to a baking dish that has been coated with a nonstick spray.

Top chicken with caramelized onions, bacon, bbq sauce and cheese. Bake at 350° until the cheese is melted. ENJOY!

SIMPLE & SO GOOD!

**make sure your chicken is cooked to 165°

Life is short, get dessert. Let me just say that your dessert can absolutely be a martini, especially if it involves chocolate. Make any night sweet with this decadent chocolate martini garnished with fresh raspberries.

Decadent Chocolate Martini

There isn’t much better on a chilly night than a warm chicken and rice casserole. I threw this dish together a few years ago and let me tell you, it has been a staple in our house ever since! All of our favorite things, all in one! This is also my go to when I want to take food to a friend who just had surgery or welcomed a little one.  

There is just something about a fresh salad on a beautiful Spring day. It has been pretty chilly here in Georgia and all we can think about is sunshine and some warm weather coming in a few weeks. So close, I can almost taste it!

I am sharing one of my favorite salads. It is so simple and fresh and pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine on the back porch.

Caesar Dressing

• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup plus 2 TBSP vegetable oil
• 3 TBSP grated parmesan

In a blender or with an immersion blender, add your anchovies, garlic, spices, egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard and parmesan. Slowly, drizzle your vegetable oil while blending to create the dressing. Taste and add more spice if you’d like.

Citrus Salmon Caesar Salad

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil to medium high heat. Season salmon with your favorite spices — I love Fresh Bay by Fresh Jax or Surf’s Up by Ocean State Pepper. Put the salmon face down in the hot pan and then squeeze a little fresh lemon and leave the lemon slice in the pan. Cook approx. 4 minutes on each side, or longer if you’d like.

Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and freshly shaved parmesan cheese & top with salmon. Best served with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

ENJOY!

There is just something about a bowl of chili or soup on a cold and windy day. It makes you all warm and cozy… Perfect for enjoying cuddled up with a blanket and a movie. Check out my recipe below!

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Ingredients —

2 lbs of ground venison

1 onion, finely chopped

1 TBSP chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper (you could also use 1 package of chili seasoning for this)

2 cans tomato sauce

1 can of chili tomatoes

1 can kidney beans

1 can white beans

1 can corn

1 1/2 cups water

3 TBSP pickled jalapeños with juice

2 tsp sriracha

In a large pot on medium heat, brown the venison and chopped onion until cooked completely. Next add your seasonings — chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper. Then, add all the canned items — tomato sauce, chili tomatoes, beans & corn, along with the water

**tip – I fill the tomato sauce cans with the water to be sure to get all the sauce out

Last, add the pickled jalapeños and sriracha to the chili. I love a good kick to my chili! You can definitely leave these last 2 ingredients out if you prefer it not to be spicy, but it’s SO good!

Let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Top with cheese, sour cream & extra jalapeños. I like to serve mine with my homemade honey cornbread. This would also be delicious with sourdough or tortilla chips.

ENJOY!

Can I just say HOW ‘BOUT THEM DAWGS! After a late night of watching the National Championship Game and a long work day, a cocktail was very much needed to chill out this evening. This one did not disappoint!

1 shot Western Son peach vodka

1 shot Second City Distilling Co. rum

1 shot strawberry purée

juice from 1/2 lemon or lime

lemon or lime sparkling water

mix the vodka, rum, purée & juice with ice in a glass & top with sparkling water and fresh fruit

**to make the strawberry purée, in a saucepan bring 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 2 TBSP sugar and 2 TBSP water to a boil. let cool and then purée.

HAVE A COUPLE & ENJOY!

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When it’s nice and chilly outside, not much beats a warm loaf of sourdough fresh out of the oven. It brings a sense of comfort to my kitchen. With such a variety including jalapeno cheddar, caramelized onion, cinnamon raisin or garlic & herb, the possibilities are endless.

These beautiful loaves also make great gifts for family, friends and neighbors. They can pair it with a warm cup of soup, enjoy with their morning coffee or make a fresh sandwich.

I recently took an online course with Ashley from Turner Farm to expand my knowledge about bread. She teaches all things sourdough and does a live demonstration that allows you to bake bread together. If you are looking to learn this technique, I strongly encourage you to check out her site and sign up for one of her courses. Be sure you are following her on social media as well to stay up to date with upcoming courses. Her farm and kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I will link her class here — TURNER FARM SOURDOUGH

happy breadmaking, xoxo

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Sharing all about my favorite coffee shops this week! Augusta has so many amazing local coffee shops. Whether you are in Evans shopping or strolling the streets of downtown, there is always a coffee shop nearby.

If you’re in Evans, check out Rooted Coffeehouse. This coffee shop is so cute & cozy and perfect for morning meetings! My favorite this thing to order is their iced americano or their warm chai latte.

If you’re in the beautiful downtown Augusta, I have 2 places that I will always recommend you check out! Metro Coffeehouse & Ubora. I love the vibe at Metro along with their delicious lattes. They also turn into a bar at night with live music. Perfect to grab an espresso martini after dinner! If I need to get some work done, o love to hang out inside Ubora with a warm cup off coffee or iced latte.

Grab a gift card for your family or friends — I promise they will love it! They make great stocking stuffers too. Next time you’re at one of these shops, be sure to tag me on Facebook & Instagram – @sweetandsassyapron. I would love to see what you ordered!

1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced 1 1/2” thick

3 eggs

3/4 cup milk

2 TBSP sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 cup of heavy cream

Pinch of salt

4 TBSP of butter

Filling — 1 cup of whipped cream cheese & 1 cup blueberry jam

To make the filling, mix together the cream cheese and jam — set aside. Next, make a pocket in the bottom of each slice of bread, carefully not cutting all of the way through. Fill with approx. 2-3 TBSP of filling. It’s a little messy, but so worth it! Get a skillet nice and warm with butter while you make the egg mixture. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar and cinnamon. Dip the stuffed bread into the egg mixture and brown on each side. It smells heavenly! Serve with a drizzle of quality maple syrup, fresh berries & sliced banana — ENJOY!

The perfect brunch recipe! You can use any flavor jam you like, or even apple butter found at your local market.

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It is so important to support our small businesses, year round! With holiday season in full swing, it is even more important to be supporting our local businesses. Whether you need a hostess gift, a bottle of wine or a gift certificate for one of your friends, there are so many ways to support a local business.

One of my favorite Southern Willow Market, where you can shop their beautiful home decor and the fresh flower market. You can create your own arrangement or they can make one for you. Pair this with one of their locally made candles and you have the perfect gift for anyone.

Is it just me or do we all feel better when we have a glowing tan? Head on over to Blush & Glow Studio to grab a gift certificate for one of their spray tans. Amanda is so talented and has such an amazing team of girls. They are all very professional and always make you feel welcome. She is the best in town!

What is a party without wine? Am I right or am I right? Maybe you’re on the way to a dinner party and need something to take… a bottle of wine is always a good idea. White Horse in Surrey Center has an incredible selection. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you pick something everyone will enjoy. My favorite is Three Finger Jack!

Now, you’ve got gifts & wine but what about you? Ever After Beauty & Bridal Suite has their very own Blow Dry Bar. I mean, this is genius! You can schedule an appointment on the way to your party so you will show up feeling FABULOUS! They also offer gift certificates and memberships to their Blow Dry Bar as well. Amy & Avery are the perfect team and have designed such a beautiful set up in their salon. If you are in need of a stylist, please go see them!

Keep these businesses in mind while shopping whether it be for yourself, a co-worker or friend. Maybe you’re looking for something not on the list above… I would love for you to reach out! I would be happy to help you SHOP LOCAL. Your friends will definitely be impressed! Be sure to tell them Sweet & Sassy Apron sent you!