Recipe(tried): Lazy Days of Summer Dinner... Grecian Chicken Breasts, Corn Casserole Supreme, Tea Party Fruit Salad, Glazed Orange Spice Pecan Bread

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was such a beautiful summer day, it only egan to rain in the very early evening. My DH and I sat in our porch to watch the amazing display of lightening in the sky, it was awesome as well as frightening. The dark clouds passed over us going North as they rumbled and the sky was filled with electricity. I was simply awestruck by the display....

Today is turning to be a gorgeous day as well and the blueness of the pool beckons one to sit out there with a collection of magazines and crossword puzzle to relax with. So before I trot out there, I will post the menu for tonight.

I am making good use of the abundance of late summer vegetables and fruits that are in our grocers lately and the menu will reflect that. I am posting two new recipes today that I have made and are worthy of sharing...

The Tea Party Fruit Salad is simply delighful in the blend of flavors and... surprise...It is made with Miracle Whip and the flavors combined just burst in your mouth as well as refresh on a hot day...the Glazed Orange Pecan Bread is wonderful toasted and spread with softened cream cheese, you will enjoy that very much with a cup of coffee or iced tea. Also, when you bake this bread, your home will be filled with a wonderful aroma, the orange zest just adds a little something special...yum!!! Both would be wonderful as brunch items or for a latea summer evening tea party!!

Happy Cooking!! Gina

The Menu:

Grecian Chicken
Corn Casserole Supreme
Sliced Summer Tomatoes
Tea Party Fruit Salad
Glazed Orange Spice Pecan Bread
Debbie D's Mama Sweet Iced Tea

The Recipes:

Grecian Chicken Breasts
serves 6

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split
1 pkg. (10oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 pkg. (8oz.) feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. paprika
12 strips bacon

Preheat oven to 325 (350 for crisper bacon). Cut a pocket into each breast, salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

Thoroughly drain and squeeze any liquid from the thawed spinach. Do not cook. Combine with feta cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic. Stuff into the pockets.

Combine the flour and paprika and lightly coat the stuffed chicken breasts. Wrap 2 strips of bacon around each breast and place on a baking sheet. Bake uncovered at 325. for 1 hour. Unbelievably delicious!!!

Corn Casserole Supreme
serves 6

1 reg. size can of creamed corn
1 reg. size can of yellow corn, drained
1/4 cup sugar
1 scallion, chopped
8 oz. sour cream
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup margerine, melted and cooled
1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
paprika for sprinkling top
Preheat oven top 350. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend well. Pour into a greased 12x8x2 baking dish, sprinkle paprika over top and bake for 45 minutes.

Tea Party Fruit Salad
serves 8

3 bananas, sliced
2 Red Delicious apples, diced (leave skins on)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup golden raisins
2/3 cup Miracle Whip

Combine all ingredients in a bowl mixing well. Chill before serving on individual lettuce leaves.

Glazed Orange Spice Pecan Bread

3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1 Tbsp. freshly grated orange rind
juice from the same orange
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all the dry ingredients and set aside in a large bowl. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, oil, milk, rind, vanilla, marmalade, and nuts. Beat for 4 minutes til well blended. Pour all of the dry ingredients in and beat til just blended. Pour into a greased 9x5x3 loaf glass pan and bake for 1 hour or until tester comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely.

Blend juice from the orange and 1 c. powdered sugar til smooth, glaze bread with it. Serve with softened or whipped cream cheese.