Spicy Orange Chicken with Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread

Oh I am on a ROLL today my friends, this skillet and I are working miracles together.  I might just have a new love but I can't tell my Dyson.
So not only do I get to use the cast iron skillet but I get to use some produce from my garden!!  I have been waiting WEEKS for my jalapenos to be ready.  And when I mean weeks I mean weeks!  Some sort of spice loving creature has stolen a few large ones off my plant already (which is potted on my table no less) and every time I go to get one I shake my fist at this mysterious creature in vain.
Tonight's dinner is going to be a little spicy but don't leak it to the kiddo - he refuses to eat anything that could give you a little kick in the pants (obviously doesn't take after his mom).  I have already had to fib and say I used chives as he asked... HEY what are those GREEN things in there?

Dinner doesn't really follow the traditional southern "fried chicken n cornbread" theme.  In fact, I am not too sure it follows a theme at all but it does have chicken in it so that should count for something right?

Spicy Orange Chicken
8-10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger
juice of 1 orange
1 tbsp. orange zest
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 1//2 tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce
3 dry chilies

Combine all ingredients in a zip loc bag and marinade for at least 2 hours
BBQ chicken on medium heat approx 4-5 minutes per side or until juices run clear

Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread

1 1/2 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. flour
6 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. olive oil
3 jalapeno peppers chopped
1 c. sharp cheese shredded

Mix all dry ingredients and jalapenos together in a bowl.  In a separate bowl mix eggs, sour cream and olive oil.  Combine wet into the dry ingredients and stir until just moist.  Fold in cheese.
Pour into greased skillet and bake at 350 for approx 20-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cut into slices and serve warm.

This meal was also accompanied by some grilled zucchini - fresh from the market!
FANTASTIC

German Apple Pancakes (30 min. prep, 25 min cook time)

Frühstück, kommen sie und erhalten Sie!  In English, BREAKFAST, COME AND GET IT!
My wonderful mother in law (ok I'm not married but its been 9 years people) picked us up a cast iron skillet from good ole Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago (after we borrowed hers to go camping) and I have been ITCHING to put it to good use. 
This morning I woke up from a dream about pancakes, strange, I know, so decided that I should go back to my roots and whip up some German style pancakes (which by the way is more like 1 ginormous pancake) ANDDD the best part...I get to use my skillet!!  Oh happy day!
Its rather painless really but tastes absolutely divine and it gives a new twist on the regular flat pancakes.
Now, do you want the recipe in English?

4 Eggs
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sugar
pinch of salt
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 c. unsalted butter
1/2 c. sugar, divided
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 large apple (cored, sliced)

In a bowl combine the first 8 ingredients and let stand at least 30 minutes (you can refrigerate overnight)
Preheat oven to 425.
In oven proof skillet melt butter, brushing the sides of the pan.  Mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and sprinkle on the butter.  Arrange apple slices in a thin layer and sprinkle remaining sugar over top.  Gently pour batter around pan and place in the oven for the first 15 minutes at 425.  Reduce heat to 350 and continue to bake for another 10 minutes.
Remove from pan with a silicone spatula to ensure clean removal.

I Have a Snack for YOU! Caramel Popcorn

Who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks?  This week I was lucky to have a friend stay with me who enjoys to eat (well who doesn't really) but doesn't often bake for herself.  I have to say she was a trooper!
We made meat stuffed ravioli (search recipe on the site), mini pumpkin pies, apple oatmeal muffins, and our signature snack food for the weekend - CARAMEL POPCORN
I think I gained about 40 pounds this week but boy was it worth it!
A simple and easy way to spruce up movie night or a take a long treat for a road trip or weekend getaway.
Here is what you need for this delish treat:

Caramel Popcorn
6 c. air popped corn
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup
1/2 c. butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. Malibu rum (but you could use vanilla extract)
1/2 c. chocolate chips (to drizzle over once done)

Over medium heat combine sugar, syrup, butter and salt.  Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.  Continue to boil for another 4 minutes without stirring.  Remove from heat and stir in soda and rum and pour over popcorn.  (I use 2 bowls to coat)  Place on a large cookie sheet (or 2 smaller) and bake for 60 minutes at 250 stirring every 10 minutes to break clumps.
Meanwhile, melt chips in a microwave.  When finished baking, drizzle melted chocolate over entire surface and place in the fridge or freezer to harden. 
Store in a Ziploc or air tight container - if if lasts that long!!