Love to Cook, Cook to Love

My week got off to a great start when I received a care package from my mom with all sorts of Autumn goodies inside (thanks, Mom!). Among the pumpkin-scented soap and Halloween colored clothing was a couple boxes of spices from Penzeys Spices. On each of the jars was Penzeys slogan: "Love to Cook, Cook to Love." The array of spices got me inspired to get cookin' and the result was the below Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce. Along with a couple sides, this makes a great dinner but it would also make a crowd pleasing appetizer for your next gathering.

Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water. Doing this prevents the skewers from charing during the cooking process. I'll admit this is the first time I have actually soaked the skewers and it definitely helps.

Next, make a marinade by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Now it's time to spice it up. I used the Sate seasoning from Penzeys, which is a mixture of salt, brown sugar, garlic, onion, coriander, ginger, tumeric, paprika, lemon grass, and various peppers. Any similar spice blend would work or even just a basic yellow curry would be great. Mix the spice of your choice with the yogurt/lemon mixture and marinate chicken breast tenders for an hour or two.

While the chicken marinates, make the peanut sauce by mixing a tablespoon or so of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a good squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Add a couple tablespoons of warm water to thin out the sauce and refrigerate until it's time to eat.

Skewer the marinated chicken and cook over an open grill or indoor grill pan until done, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with the prepared peanut sauce and enjoy!