Mimi's Pico De Gallo

1 large can petite diced tomatoes (drained well)
2 tsp diced or minced garlic
1/2 - 1 bunch fresh cilantro (if using only the tops use most of the bunch)
1/2 large onion (we prefer the taste of red)

Combine and mix well.

This is a staple in my house! Yum!

Also good with the juice of a small lime.

Fried Rice

4 C cooked white or brown rice (made ahead and chilled)
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 c cubed cooked ham
2 eggs beaten
2 T Soy sauce
1/2 c frozen peas
pepper to taste

1. Fry ham, onions and peas in an oiled nonstick skillet until onions and peas are soft. Remove from pan and wipe out residue with paper towel.
2. Fry eggs briefly, remove from pan and wipe out.
3. Heat 1/4 cup oil or butter in pan and fry rice for 3-5 minutes.
   
4. Add ham, eggs, onions, soy and pepper. Stir to combine.

This can be made early in the day, refrigerated and reheated at dinnertime

Sesame Chicken

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar

4-6 chicken breasts (cut in half)
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/3 c. sesame seeds
1/4 c. orange juice
honey

1. cook garlic and butter in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Just until garlic begins to turn brown. Stir in brown sugar until melted.
2. Combine baking powder, salt, paprika, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Drag chicken through mixture and place in skillet with garlic/butter/brown sugar mixture. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, turning over once, until browned.
   
3. Add orange juice. Cook over medium heat 8-10 minutes, turning once, until chicken is glazed and has clear juices. Drizzle honey and sprinkle sesame seeds over top of chicken. Simmer until sauce thickens and almost disappears. Watch carefully to prevent scorching. Allow to sit for a few minutes to cool.
4. Remove chicken from pan. Excellent served over brown rice or with fried rice.
   

I was a bit doubtful about this meal with my picky eaters, and while it was cooking it didn't smell the most promising, but I got rave reviews from the fam. It is definitely a do-over. I served it with steamed broccoli, rice, and steamed green beans.