Barbequed Chicken Pizza Braid

I seen this posted of foodgawker the other day. Of course, as I was making it up, I forget to add the cheese so I sprinkled it on top. Definitely should have been inside, and because we have a hard time controlling the temperature of our old BBQ, the pizza dough was burnt on the bottom and not cooked on top. Maybe I should have waited for our new BBQ to show up! Definitely was super yummy though!

Barbequed Chicken Pizza Braid
Serves 2

1 can pizza dough
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1 whole yellow pepper
1 cup bbq sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat the bbq to 400 degrees.

Roll the dough into about an 11X17-inch rectangle.

Using a knife, cut 1-inch wide strips in towards the center, starting on the long sides. There should be a solid strip about 3 inches wide down the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side. Spread half of the barbecue sauce down the center strip. Top with the chicken, peppers and cheese. Fold the side strips over filling, alternating strips from each side and pressing them into the dough on the opposite side, forming a braid. Pinch or twist to seal.

Transfer to a grill safe baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes.

Bake the braid for 15-20 minutes , until golden brown and bread is baked through.

Let the braidsrest for 5 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut braid into sections and serve warm.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

I was looking for something yummy and filling that my Fiance and I have been missing since I started my weight loss journey. We've been eating super healthy lately and this just seemed perfect!

I remember when I used to go visit Dan when he lived 2 hours away from me. He would cook me something similar. We would be standing in his tiny kitchen (usually a huuuge mess) and he would brown some hamburger, add lots of cheese whiz, and top it with macaroni. I would put together a ceasar salad in a pot (I know right! He had no salad bowls) and shake it to spread the dressing. We would lounge on the couch, watch a movie and eat this. Of course, me being polite never commented once on it, and ate as much as I could. It was very bland... this on the other hand, has way more flavour! So good! The chilis make it so much better!

Cheeseburger Macaroni
Serves 4 / 11 Points+

1 lb lean hamburger meat
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
2 cups water
1 cup elbow macaroni

Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce….

2 Tablespoons butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.