BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH TANGY BAR-B-QUE SAUCE and VANILLA CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING and CARAMEL FROSTING

I met my incredible husband fourteen years ago today - and we recently celebrated 12 wonderful years of marriage. Three children, one new business and lots of travel later, I still always look forward to seeing him at the end of the day, and spending time together.
The traditional gift of linen was represented by the napkins at one of our favorite local establishments, which also happens to be the restaurant where we met. We always love Bordinos, not just for the nostalgia, but also for the outstanding food and service and excellent atmosphere, and because it is too fancy a place to take the aforementioned adorable kids.
However, they did get to dine on these delicious, kid friendly chicken nuggets, and we all celebrated together as a family with the yummy vanilla cupcakes.

BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH TANGY BAR-B-QUE SAUCE

1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, onion and garlic powders, salt and pepper. Toss chicken with flour mixture. Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Dip chicken pieces into milk. Pour breadcrumbs onto a large plate. Roll chicken in crumbs. Arrange chicken on baking sheet, spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Serve with bar-b-que sauce.
Enjoy!

TANGY BAR-B-QUE SAUCE

In a saucepan, stir together 1/3 cup barbeque sauce, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of grated orange rind. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4 minutes.
Enjoy!

VANILLA CUPCAKES

In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, beat 6 tablespoons of softened butter with 2/3 cup sugar on high for 2 minutes. Beat in 3 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat in half the flour mixture on low. Add 1/2 cup milk and beat briefly. Beat in remaining flour just until combined. Spoon batter into paper liners in a 12 cup muffin pan. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Relish Magazine, March 2013
relish.com/issues/march-2013/

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 to 2 cups of powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.
Enjoy!

CARAMEL FROSTING

Bring 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons of milk to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup powdered sugar.
Enjoy!

Recipes adapted from Southern Living, October 2010
www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant