I chose these three recipes because they are something I always love to eat. Some are easier than others to make but I wanted to challenge myself in cooking these dishes. They are all dishes that have pretty basic ingredients but have different ways of putting them together in the cooking process. I think it will be interesting to see how I do in cooking them.

PBJ Acai Bowl

Ingredients  

• 2 Sambazon Original Superfruit Pack
• 1/2 Banana
• 1/8 c Apple Juice
• 1 handful of Blackberries
• 1 spoonful of Nut Butter
• Toppings: granola, blackberries, honey

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Scoop into a bowl and top with granola, more blackberries and a drizzle of honey.

http://www.sambazon.com/recipe/pbj-protein-bowl/

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 jalapenos, finely diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
• 1 avocado, pitted, sliced
• 1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalapenos and cook for another minute.
3. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil.
4. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside.
6. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken.
7. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe.html

Polenta

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups canned low salt chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring first 4 ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat.
2. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium.
3. Cook until mixture is very thick and creamy, whisking frequently, about 12 minutes.
4. Whisk in cheese and serve. 6 servings.

http://209.197.93.31/recipe/italian/creamypolentawithparmesan.html