what's for dinner?

The post on dinner a while back generated a flurry of blog-reader interest. Whadaya know? People are universally interested in dinner. Naturally, since it's something we all have in common: what to make for dinner. At least, in my circle of friends and such. I suppose if you're Queen Elizabeth or Michelle Obama or George Clooney you don't give serious thought to what's for dinner. You just know someone's going to have it ready for you. Can you even imagine?

Anyway. Here's the 2009 Haller Summertime Favorite. It's been voted so by my hubby, my son Mark (though he's not at all persnickity), new daughter-in-love Jill (oooh, she REALLY loves this meal) and me. Darling daughter Katie, well, she is quite persnickity when it comes to eating. But she's trying to broaden her culinary horizons, I'll give her that.

Since this meal isn't a real-written-down recipe, I'll wing it. Wing-it cooking is so much more fun, but sometimes more stressful if it's 5 o'clock and you're clueless about dinner.

Haller's 2009 summertime somewhat Mexican Meal

Do this in the morning, if at all possible:

1. Sprinkle boneless chicken breast (1/person) with chili powder, olive oil, salt and garlic powder ... let it marinade (and in my case, thaw) for the day. Sometime before dinner, grill it.

2. Our yummy salsa: Chop and mix up the following. Do it in the morning and store in the fridge til dinnertime:
Two good-sized tomatoes
Half a jalapeno (more if you love it spicy)
Two green onions (you know, the long kind from a bunch)
A handful of frozen corn, or leftover cooked corn, cut off a cob.
About a half bunch of fresh cilantro...God's best herbal creation!
Add one can of black beans, rinsed and drained: don't chop them. ha.
Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder, cover and store in fridge.
Ooops - and avocado...an awesome addition. We're having this tonight and I FORGOT the avocado! Best to add it right before serving.

Then, as it's getting close to dinnertime:

3. Open a big bag of tortilla chips (sometimes Kroger has theirs for $1 a bag!)

4. Cook some rice ... can be white, or Spanish, or any kind of rice mix you like.

5. Have some shredded cheddar, lettuce and sour cream ready.

OK, chop the chicken and you're set. Let everyone layer everything to their heart's desire on their plate...chips, chicken, salsa, lettuce, cheese, sour cream and rice on the side. This is good cold, cool or warm.

If you don't just love this concoction, well, I just can't figure you out. Bon appetit!