Crock Pot Sofrito Chicken

This recipe was inspired by http://www.skinnytaste.com/, one of my favorite food blogs.  It used to hurt my feelings when Albert said he didn't want to eat my cooking, but now I just ignore it because he usually ends up loving it.  Last night as I was filling my crock pot, he turned up his nose at the sight of all of the veggies I was cutting  up (and the lingering smell of garlic and onions).  However, this morning he sent a text about the delicious smell taking over our house.  The aroma of the chicken cooking is absolutely mouthwatering.  Definitely whets your appetite for an awesome meal. 

Crock Pot Sofrito Chicken
1/2 bunch of green onions, chopped (about 4)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 packet Sazon ( seasoning packets in mexican aisle)
1 can light beer
1/2 c water
4 chicken thighs, skin removed

1. Put peppers, onions, tomatoes and spices in a crock pot (I recommend using Crock Pot liners for super easy clean up). 
2. Pour water and beer over seasoned veggies.
3. Place chicken pieces on top of veggies.
4. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
5. Serve with steamed rice.

Simple Pizza Dough

I usually buy the fresh pizza dough at the store that comes in a bag just for the convenience of it.  My sister-in-law told me pizza dough was super easy to make so tonight I decided to try it out for dinner.  It was so easy and fast that I could make it when I got home from work - no morning preparation necessary or crazy rising times. This is a great basic dough that could be used in a variety of ways and topped any way you like it.

Simple Pizza Dough

4 c flour

1 - 1/4oz packet of quick rise yeast

1 t baking powder

1 1/2 t salt

2 T olive oil

1 can room temperature beer (I used Bud Light because that is what we had, any beer should do though)

1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Mix on medium speed using a dough hook until it forms a smooth, soft dough ball.

2. Leave dough in mixing bowl, drizzle top of dough with 1 T olive oil and cover bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

3. Let dough rise for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
5. Press dough into a greased baking sheet.
6. Bake 3-4 minutes. (so toppings don't make dough soggy)

7. Top with toppings of your choice and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.

My husband and I have different preferencces when it comes to pizza so I made a half and half (pepperoni and peppers for him, pepperoni, pineapple and onion for me)

 Just after mixing

pressed in pan

All done!

Welcome

Welcome to At Home Bistro.  Obviously, this is just the beginning.  I am working on gathering my recipes and actually taking pictures of the finished product (since I always like to try recipes with pictures).  Check back soon for some delicious eats.