Training
True to my word, I did not leave it too long between body pump classes.
I headed to the gym before work this morning and took another body pump class. The instructor was energetic and the music was pumping, making for a great start to the day. I even managed to squeeze in 5km on the stationary bike before the class started which was a great warm up. After Friday's body pump class, Saturday's ride and Sunday's race, my legs have certainly had a workout recently!
Dinner
Well it seems the Mystery Box is having a bit of run of spices at the moment. There was chilli, saffron, paprika , and now.....
Cayenne Pepper!
Did you know? The cayenne pepper is a hot, red chilli pepper related to bell peppers and jalapeños. Not only does it provide a rich and spicy flavour, but it is can also assist the metabolism and blood pressure and improve circulation.
It also seems that avocados were on sale recently as I found 3 sitting on my kitchen bench! So with cayenne pepper as my Mystery Box inspiration, and an abundance of ripe avocados, a cajun/ salsa dish seemed the most logical choice.
To make the cajun seasoning I combined cayenne pepper with variety of other dried herbs.
I then sliced a few chicken breasts, placed them in a bag and poured in the spice mix. Shaken until well coated.
While the chicken was grilling, I made a quick salsa using avocado, corn, red capsicum, coriander, chives and a splash of lime juice.
Served all together.
Beans, salsa and chicken.
Oh my - the cajun spices sure packed a punch. But the heat of the spices worked well with the sweetness of the corn and the freshness of the herbs and other salsa ingredients.
Overall the dish reminded me of summer, and I am sure that it will make another appearance when the warmer months arrive.
A spicy start to the week!
Cajun Spice Mix
- 2tsp cayenne pepper
- 2tsp paprika
- 2tsp salt
- 2tsp garlic powder
- 2tsp dried oregano
- 1tsp dried thyme
- 2tsp pepper
- Mix together spices until well combined.
- Use as a spice rub for meat / tofu.
What about you? How do you like to use cayenne pepper?
Happy Baking :)
Posts
That looks great, but would be way too spicy for me...
ReplyDeleteI think I've used it, but I'm not much of a spice girl so can't remember... :\
that looks like a perfect summer dish us for us right here in tx. Spicy is our nature. Again, so impressed with your delish meals!
ReplyDeleteMmm nice and spicy ;) Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love the mystery box idea! It seems like a great way to make sure you don't end up in a food rut.
ReplyDeleteI use cayenne pepper in my sauces, and in dressings if they need a kick.
Truth be told, I have a real addiction to spicy! This looks delicious. Love the balance of spicy with the cool salad! YUM!
ReplyDeleteThe smooth coolness of the avocado would help balance out the spiciness of the chicken. What a perfect match!
ReplyDeleteI love spices, the more the merrier.
That looks so delicious that as soon as I see some corn, I will grab it along with some avo's and give it a go.
ReplyDeletemmmm! This dinner is really my kind of meal! I adore every ingredient!
ReplyDeleteI have a cajun seasoning mix that's quite similar, just with a few more ingredients. I love it!
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what else is crazy? I opened a cayenne chocolate tonight... clearly I was channeling your mystery box!
That looks SO good!
ReplyDeleteWow that salsa looks AMAZING. I had something pretty similar last night with black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, lime juice, and crackers added in. I served mine with shrimp. I loooove those flavors!
ReplyDeleteYour creativity with your mystery box ingredients continues to amaze me! That salsa looks so good! Can you come cook for me?? :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome! I love spicy!
ReplyDeleteYum! That looks delicious! I agree with Janna, you're so creative!
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome!! Great combination of flavors!
ReplyDeleteI am sooo happy I saw this!! I have had cayenne and cannot find a way to like it! DEF trying this! thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteThat's great you went back to pump! I'm addicted to it now and don't know what to do when I head back to school and don't have it!
ReplyDeleteI love cayenne pepper in spicy rubs too. I just love rubs in general. They add so much flavor without adding too much extra stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy husband would LOVE this. I'll have to surprise him with it!
ReplyDeleteLOVE cayenne pepper - can't wait to try that spicy mix on some tofu, yum.
ReplyDeleteBeing Indian,cayenne pepper is one ingredient that you are sure to find in many of my dishes. I love your eats, perfect summer recipes!
ReplyDeleteOooo, i'm just imagining that cayenne pepper mix on roast potatoes now!
ReplyDeleteA few years ago my mom sprinkled cayenne pepper to try to defer a raccoon from living in our workshop, but I haven't used it for cooking yet! Making a spice rub sounds tasty though :)
ReplyDeleteI love it when the instructor's are energetic, especially for early morning classes.
ReplyDeleteIt makes it so much more fun!
Mmm that looks amazing Lisa! Like Summer on a plate! :D
ReplyDeleteOh--totally late on this one, but I use cayenne when I poach pears. I poach in green tea with citrus peel and vanilla bean pod scrapings, and a dash (or a whack) of cayenne for the heat. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have a ripening avocado on the bench and now I know what I need to make with it - just the thing for some spicy accompaniment
ReplyDelete