Designers botique

Saturday, 3 November 2012

Jerk Chicken Pockets --These tasty sweet potato and jerk chicken "pockets" are spiced up with jerk seasoning, a Caribbean spice blend that typically contains allspice, thyme and hot pepper. The spice combo and heat level vary widely among brands. Experiment and find the one you prefer. Look for jerk seasoning in the spice section of most supermarkets.
Makes: 5 servings
Active time: 25 minutes | Total: 45 minutes
To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate the filling (Steps 2 & 4) for up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature while you roll out the dough.
Cost per serving: under $1.50
1 medium sweet potato (about 12 ounces)
1 pound prepared pizza dough, preferably whole-wheat
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
8 ounces cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (about 2 cups, see Tip)
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup raisins
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Prick sweet potato in several places with a fork. Wrap it in wax paper or parchment paper and microwave on High until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Cut in half. When it is just cool enough to handle, peel and dice.
3. Meanwhile, shape the dough on a lightly floured surface into a log about 10 inches long. Divide into 5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 5-inch square with a rolling pin or press into a square with your hands.
4. Whisk mayonnaise, jalapeño, water and jerk seasoning in a medium bowl. Stir in chicken, scallions, raisins and the sweet potato.
5. Spread about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture on half of each dough square, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling and pat it to create a rectangle, then use a fork to crimp the edges closed. Transfer the chicken pockets to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with oil.
6. Bake the pockets until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Per serving: 358 calories; 11 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 42 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrate; 2 g added sugars; 21 g protein; 3 g fiber; 547 mg sodium; 302 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (90% daily value), Vitamin C (15% dv).
Tip: If you don't have leftover chicken, you can quickly cook chicken by poaching it. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a skillet or saucepan. Add lightly salted water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on size. (1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts = about 2 1/2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken.)

Dressing with COATS

The cute flounce at the bottom balances your bust.
Betsey Johnson Double Breasted Coat, sizes XS-XLRG, $200, betseyjohnson.com

A swingy cut skims your curves.
Talbots Plush Twill Coat, sizes 2-14, 0P-16P, 12W-22WP, $270, talbots.com
If you’re busty…
“I’m a 28DD. I have a small frame but with ‘totters’ and a tush. I like big, baggy, comfy coats, but I put them on with skinny pants—otherwise I’d look like a box!”

—Caitlin Marino, 23

Wrap dresses let you pick the fit. Same idea in this coat!
Narciso Rodriguez for DesigNation, sizes 0-14, $130, kohls.com

The secrets to allover print? Length and lines.
Dorothy Perkins Black and White Boucle Coat, sizes 2-18, $77.20, dorothyperkins.com

(See also: Great, non-boring looks for work.)
Old Navy Coat