Chicken Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

 Recently, when my hubby and I visited our youngest daughter, Meagan, she cooked stuffed bell peppers for us. Y’all! They were amazing. I loved every bite!

But, in the spirit of never-leaving-well-enough-alone, I started playing around with recipe ideas. I like this one!

I love Mediterranean food and cannot get it in the small Texas town where I live. I also love chicken, peppers, and spinach. I think this is going to hit the spot!

Chicken Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Bring a pan of water to a boil, carefully place the bell peppers in and allow them to cook for a few minutes. Drain and set them aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become tender.
6. Add the paprika, cumin, and turmeric to the skillet and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
7. 
   
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the spiced vegetables.
8. Add the cherry tomatoes, black olives, and chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts slightly.
9. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Stuff the bell peppers with the chicken and vegetable mixture and place them in a baking dish.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the
    bell peppers are tender.
12. Garnish with fresh mint or parsley, if desired.

These Chicken Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers bring together a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and nutritious spinach. The blend of aromatic spices elevates the dish, making it a treat for your taste buds.

I love the bright colors of the bell peppers. If, as I've heard, part of taste is visual, this should truly do the trick. As you pull these out of the oven, the smell of Mediterranean spices fills the air. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a dish that is utterly delicious. 

I think it's time to cook them again!

Enjoy. (I certainly plan to!)

Writer's Block (acustic poetry)

Are you familiar with acrostic poetry? It's a fun poetic form! The title creates the poem, giving the first letter of each line. No need for rhyme, here, just a fun theme, a little thought, and, of course, a smile.

Here's one for you that talks about something all writers have experienced. Okay, okay... I cannot speak for every writer. But I've certainly had my fair share. 

Writer's Block

Where did that idea go?

Right now, I need it!

I just had it, right there -- on the tip of my brain!

Thoughts jumble like a ball of yarn destroyed by a kitten...

Every thought except that one... That one I need!

Righteous indignation... Unrighteous response...

' &#@*&!

(So sorry... The moment got the better of me...)

But wait! What is that?

Like a superhero on the screen, another idea flies into my fragmented mind.

Oh, wow... This one is so much better!

Can I carry the plot if I move in this direction? Yup, I think so!

Kick that old idea out! (Thank you, Writer's Block!)

Okay, that's mine. Now it's your turn. Pick something that delights you, surprises you, annoys you, or amazes you. Narrow it down to two or three words. This acts as your title. Now comes the fun part -- WRITE!

I always used to tell my kids, both at home and at school, that there are no mistakes in art, just interesting lane changes. Since poetry is an art form, don't stress. Just enjoy a few creative moments. I'd love to see your acrostic poems in the comments section if you'd like to share.