Friday, August 24, 2012

Caribbean Inspired Chicken

I have been having a taste for Caribbean food all week long. I used to live in Atlanta in a predominantly Jamaican neighborhood, and what I miss most about it is the food. I used to eat Curried Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Stewed Chicken, and all kinds of other dishes cooked by people native to the Caribbean on a weekly basis. I decided that I would make my own creation, and keep it as healthy as possible.

I baked boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the oven at about 350 degrees while I prepared the other ingredients. I peeled and cut up two limes and threw them in the food processor with a bit of habanero pepper sauce, Caribbean jerk seasoning, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and curry powder. I pulled the chicken breasts out of the oven after about 20 minutes, and dumped the seasoning mixture on top of them. I let them cook for about another 25 minutes until they were done. The length of time it takes to cook chicken breasts depends on their thickness.

While they were baking, I got out a skillet and turned the heat up to medium high. I cut up and peeled a few plantains and coated the bottom of the pan with extra virgin olive oil. I added the plantains and let them cook.

I cut up a mango, an avocado, and some cilantro. I had some pre-cut broccoli slaw and some prepared pico de gallo in the fridge. I tossed it all together for a side dish.

I flipped the plantains over and let them simmer until they were golden brown. When the chicken was done, I removed it from the oven, and made my plate. Now I wish I had taken some more pictures of it, but I was ready to dig in! Yum!

The only thing I would have done differently was purchasing my produce from the farmer's market instead of a grocery store. I could really tell the difference. The mango and the avocado were not nearly as good, and they had a strange, chemical taste to them. I definitely will not be buying Walmart produce again.

I love listening to music while I'm cooking. I was in such a Caribbean mood this evening, that I downloaded an entire album to motivate me during my kitchen exploration. I chose Reggae Gold 2012. I have bought several Reggae Gold albums in the past, and they're always fantastic. My Zumba® students may be getting some extra island flavor in the coming weeks!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Zumba® Website Makeover

My Zumba® website has just had a major overhaul. Take a moment and check out the new features like more photos, my promotional video, and brightly colored text to match my mood! Here's the link: http://jessicaavera.zumba.com/

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Playlist!

Here is a list of songs I am currently using in my Zumba® classes:

Let's Go - Calvin Harris ft Ne-Yo
Goin' In - Jennifer Lopez ft Flo Rida
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
Mr. Saxo Beat - Alexandra Stan
No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti - Ilegales
La Batidora - Zumba® Fitness Original Music
La Vida Es Un Carnaval - Celia Cruz
En Sus Marcas Listos Fuera! - Daddy Yankee
Insomnio - Kumbia Kings
Chori Chori - Aneela ft Arash
Danza Kuduro - Don omar ft Lucenzo
Mueve la Colita - Soca Boys
Mi Nena - Don Omar ft Zion y Lennox
We Want the Funk - Gerardo
Somebody that I Used to Know - Gotye
Dirty Harry (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix) - Gorillaz
Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez - Celia Cruz
Mueve La Booty - Oro Solido
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston
Mi Corazon Esta Muerto - Rakim y Ken Y
Open Road (I Love Her) Chris Brown