Grilled Chicken Tacos

I decided last month to re-up my subscription to F&W.  It had been on hiatus for a couple months and unfortunately my pallet & plating was starting to slowly falter.   So after an evening trip to my local Barnes & Noble, I decided to pick up  a copy of my once favorite magazine and test out one it's newer recipe phenoms.  Back on the Mexican kick so here's to our friends at Dos Toros.

Grilled - Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

• 3 tomatoes chopped
• 3 limes juiced
• 2 pinches of Salt
• Tequila
• 4-5 medium chicken thighs
• Cap full of canola oil
• 1 jalapeno diced
• Paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper
• grilled or steamed tortillas

To make marinade, combine tomatoes, lime juice, jalapeno, water, salt in a blender.  Pour over chicken and refrigerate for a couple hours.  Add a little tequila for extra flavor. One marinated, season chicken with remaining spices then over medium high heat grill chicken thighs, flipping once until cooked through.  This should take about 15 minutes.  Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.  

To assemble Tacos:

In no particular order:  Chicken, chopped avocados, chopped tomato, red onion, and shredded jack cheese.  Salsa & Cilantro are optional.  Serve with grilled corn and black beans.

Enjoy!

T.M.B

My version of an Amuse-Bouche.

Chicken a la Bonsignour!

For those like me who dwell in the area of the city known as the West Village, most have grown accustomed to visiting a small local shop on the corner of 8th & Jane call Cafe Bonsignour.  The place is a quaint local staple, known for it's friendly staff, great lattes, and fresh home cooked meals.  The food is great, known for what they refer to as the 3 lunch special, one can enjoy a sampling of their homemade chicken tenders, roasted beet salad, or cold chicken salad marinated in mustard vinaigrette.  For those that have never been, I highly recommend the Spinach & Feta Timbale!  In honor of our favorite summer time spot here's my version of Chicken Vinaigrette!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken breast halved
• 1 yellow pepper julienned
• 1 red bell pepper julienned
• 3-4 carrots julienned
• 1 handful of mixed greens 
• 1 cup of mustard vinaigrette

Mustard Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons of stone ground mustard (preferably Grey Poupon)
• 3 tablespoons of white balsamic vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients to form vinaigrette.  Combine in a sealed plastic bag with chicken breast and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.  Save some of the marinade for vegetables.

Preheat over to 400 degrees.  Remove chicken breast from marinade and wipe off excess.  Discard marinade.  Over medium high heat sear both sides of chicken breast to form grill marks.  Remove from heat and bake in oven 10 minutes per side.  

While baking chicken combine remaining  vinaigrette with julienned vegetables and refrigerate.  

When chicken is done set aside on cutting board and let rest for up to 10 minutes.  Slice into 1/4 inch pieces.  

To plate:

Top chicken over mixed greens.  Top with Julienned vegetables.  

Serve & Enjoy!