Fresh Pico (Pico de Gallo)

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 3 medium/large tomatoes, diced
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 1/2-2 TBS lime juice
• salt to taste

HINT:  We can't keep this in our house...as soon as I make it - it is gone!  Try serving this with grilled white fish, scrambled eggs, with cooked rice.  The possibilities are endless.  Enjoy!

Mu Shu Chicken Wraps

Into the crock-pot, on LOW for 6 hours:

• 1 white onion, chopped
• 2-3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 TBS sesame oil
• 3/4 cup Hoisin sauce
• 1 TBS soy sauce
• 1 TBS honey
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• salt & pepper to taste

Prep for serving 30 minutes prior to mealtime:

• fajita size flour tortillas, warm
• shredded napa cabbage (1/2 cup per person)
• sliced green onions

HINT:  We couldn't find any napa cabbage so I used regular cabbage sliced very thin.  Slivered almonds would be a good additional topping to these wraps, make sure you have extra Hoisin sauce on hand for dipping...enjoy!!

Chicken Chow Mein (Crock-Pot)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2-2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 lb baby carrots
• 1/2 large white onion, chopped
• 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 TBS rice vinegar
• 1 TBS sesame oil
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 4 cups water
• crispy chow mein noodles (for garnish)
• rice

Directions:

1. Combine in the crock-pot:  chicken, chopped cabbage, baby carrots, chopped onion, drained mushrooms, rice vinegar, sesame oil, bouillon cubes, minced garlic, and water.  Stir well.
2. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
3. Add chopped celery approximately 1 hour before serving. Stir well.
4. Serve over rice, garnished with crispy chow mein noodles.

Grilled Chicken Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup prepared creamy Italian salad dressing

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine ground chicken, egg, onion, bread crumbs, drained and rinsed black beans, and creamy Italian dressing.
2. Prepare grill pan over medium-high heat (or prepare grill).
3. Shape mixture by hand into 6 patties, 3/4 inch thick.
4. Grill each patty on both sides until fully cooked.  (Approximately 4-5 minutes each side on our grill pan.)
5. Check for safe meat temperature with a meat thermometer (170 degrees F)
6. Serve with favorite burger toppings, if desired.

Hints:  Mixing with your hands insures the best texture!  The chicken and vegetable mixture makes a hearty patty that has good form and can be adapted easily by swapping in your favorite veggies.  Try spinach and feta instead of onion and black beans, for example.  These patties could also be prepared in advance and frozen for later use. Enjoy!!

**This recipe is being shared at Mom Trends Friday Food post - go check out the other great recipes being shared!**