Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken

Jun 15, 2022

Get dinner on the table fast with this quick and easy one-pan recipe.

Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 40 mins • Total Time: 50 mins • Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken legs or thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 6 cups of fresh vegetables – red onion, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, grape tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small lemon, sliced

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, chili powder (or smoked paprika), olive oil, mustard, and oregano. Coat the chicken legs (or thighs) with the mixture, coating well, and set aside.
  3. Prepare the vegetables. Add all the prepared vegetables to a bowl and toss them in garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on the pan.
  4. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, top the chicken with lemon slices, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F.
  5. Serve with rice.

 

Grilled Beefsteak Tomatoes

Jun 15, 2022

A vegetarian summer dish recipe inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi. Beefsteak tomatoes are cut into thick slices and seasoned with olive oil, green chile, coriander, garlic, and sesame seeds, and then grilled until just browned.
The grilled tomatoes are delicious on their own or you can serve them with mozzarella and crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 long green chiles, cut into 1/8-thick rounds (discard the seeds if you don’t like too much heat)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and very thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin julienne strips
  • Fresh coriander stalks, cut into 1-inch-long lengths, plus coriander leaves, to garnish
  • 4-5 tomatoes, cut widthways into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
  • Flaked sea salt and black pepper
  • 1½ tsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Directions

  1. Turn the grill to its highest setting.
  2. Heat the oil in a medium pan on medium heat, then gently fry the chile, garlic, and ginger for five minutes, stirring every once in a while, until the garlic is just starting to brown. Add the coriander stalks and fry for a minute or two more, until the garlic is a light golden-brown and the chile fragrant, then with a slotted spoon transfer the solids to a plate leaving the oil in the pan.
  3. Arrange the tomato slices in an even layer on a 13-inch x 18-inch baking sheet (do not overlap slices), then brush with two tablespoons of the aromatic oil from the pan. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tsp of salt and a generous grind of pepper, then position the tray about 2-inches below the heat source and grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the tomatoes have started to brown. Remove, pour over most of the remaining oil and the reserved fried aromatics, and leave to meld the flavours for 10 minutes.
  4. Arrange the tomato slices on a large platter. Scatter the coriander leaves and sesame seeds over the top, then pour over any oil and cooking juices left in the pan.

 

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Jun 15, 2022

Portobello mushrooms stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and pine nuts and topped with fresh basil. A delicious and easy vegetarian lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of portobello mushrooms
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, diced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • 16 oz mozzarella, cut into small chunks
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • splash of dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

  1.  Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2.  Clean and remove the stems of the mushrooms.
  3.  Brush the tops and bottoms of the mushrooms with olive oil. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet.
  4.  In a bowl, mix together mozzarella chunks, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, parsley, and white wine.
  5.  Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
  6.  Bake the mushrooms for 15-20 minutes making sure the cheese has completely melted. Remove from the oven, and top with fresh basil.

 

Easy & Versatile Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Jun 9, 2022

This apple cider vinaigrette is quick and easy to make. Use it for dressing salads or as a marinade.

Prep Time: 5 minutes • Makes: 3 /4 cup (about 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until combined. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

 

 

Spring Cleaning

May 23, 2022

By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire

As we shed the remnants of winter, it’s time for longer days, more time outside – and, of course, the annual spring clean. Though traditionally a household task, many are looking this year to clean up their healthcare products too. The ‘clean’ movement has been spreading rapidly throughout the beauty, wellness, and pharmaceutical industries – but what exactly does ‘clean’ mean in this context?

Although the term ‘clean’ is used on thousands of product labels, from shampoo to supplements, it bears no regulatory definition. To some, it means ‘non-toxic’ – a product that contains few or no known allergens, irritants, or harmful chemicals. To others, it means ‘natural’ – a product made solely or partially from nature, such as water or plant extracts – while some consider ‘clean’ to mean more environmentally friendly and/or vegan.

While products that are better for you and the environment have an obvious appeal, some experts claim the movement is simply a marketing campaign that aims to scare consumers away from some products and attract them to others. With so many definitions flying around, how do we decide on the right products for us?

Are ‘clean’ products safer?
Prescription drugs and treatments are tested and regulated for safety, but over-the-counter products are less monitored. Cosmetics, for example, are only tested and approved by the FDA if they contain color additives.

Across ‘clean’ marketing campaigns, there are some ingredients that many brands seek to disavow – but that doesn’t mean they should be avoided at all costs.

• Alcohol – In addition to our favourite tipples, alcohol is often included in health and beauty products to help preserve the product. While some forms of alcohol can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin, there’s also evidence that cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol – or ‘fatty’ alcohol – actually soothe frizzy hair and dry skin if formulated correctly.

• Parabens – Preservatives like ethlyparaben, methylparaben, and butylparaben are used in a wide range of products to prevent bacteria and mould. Many brands have eradicated all parabens from their products, yet there is little to no evidence that they do cause harm – in fact, some of the synthetic alternatives have been known to cause more allergic reactions.

• Essential oils – Formerly a favourite, essential oils are being left out of ‘clean’ products like shampoo or bubble bath due to their risk of irritation. Derived from highly fragrant plants like lavender or rose, essential oils can have aromatherapy benefits, but there is little science to back up any higher claims.

Is ‘natural’ better?
More and more, we are all trying to limit our impact on the environment and, in turn, limit its impact on us. In many ways, this is a positive thing – eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables has a plethora of health benefits, while natural remedies like ginger tea for nausea or lavender to aid sleep are used throughout the world. Yogi and Traditional Medicine Teas or Kalms Lavender are great products, packed full of the earth’s best ingredients.

That said, some products can be termed ‘natural’ without in fact being better for you or the environment. Hyaluronic acid, for example, is termed ‘natural’ when taken from horses and cows’ umbilical cords – while synthetic forms are just as effective but cause less damage to animals and the environment. Try Honey Pot, Nubian Heritage, or Avalon Organics for effective products from eco-friendly companies.

All bodies are different
All bodies are different, and products with a ‘clean’ label don’t guarantee safety any more than those without. The best thing is to keep a note of products that work for you and your health. Whether you’re looking to try a new herbal remedy or searching for a more eco-friendly sunscreen, your pharmacist is always on hand to offer advice and suggest products which might be suitable.

If you are unsure about a product or ingredient and/or experiencing an allergic reaction, speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.

 

Hasselback Caprese Chicken

May 17, 2022


Using the Hasselback technique (sliced not-quite-all-the-way through in thin, even layers) creates pockets
in the chicken allowing for stuffing with cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
  • olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 lb. fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced into half moons
  • Small bunch of fresh basil
  • Balsamic glaze, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a cutting board and make 5 to 6 slits in each breast, being careful not to cut through completely. Transfer to a small baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil then season chicken all over with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff the slit in each breast with mozzarella, spinach, and tomatoes.
  3. Bake until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 25 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil then drizzle balsamic glaze on top.

Wine Pairing: Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts pair well with South African Cabernet Sauvignon, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, or a Burgundy Chardonnay.