Mexican Inspired Chicken & Waffles #SafewayMarcela

I love when companies give me complete creative control.  There were no guidelines when I created this recipe - I was sent a box of Marcela Valladolid products exclusively from Safeway/Vons along with a gift card to cover other ingredients.  I went wild with ideas.  Some background on Chef Marcela Valladolid - she is a Mexican powerhouse.  Top-selling cookbook author and cooking show host with her own tequila and dinnerware.  Her own tequila, people!  I was honored to be invited to show off my skills but I knew I had to bring it.  I wanted to highlight the meat especially since it's already marinated with real flavors from Mexico!  I actually worked on a recipe last week but I wasn't happy with the pictures and decided to head back into my test kitchen today and I'm excited I did... Behold the bold Ancho Chipotle Chicken & Waffles sandwich.  Inspired by Mexican (and not-so-Mexican) friends that love flavors that pop!  This is for you!  

I decided to go Pioneer Woman old school style recipe on you.  (If you don't know what that means, the recipe will be between here and the pictures.)  This recipe feeds 4.  The waffles recipe is from allrecipes.com - make those and set aside.

The package calls for grilling but I pan-fried.  Add a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil to a pan at high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side.  Finish in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  It was so easy to cook and the flavors were on point.  I almost ditched this recipe and went for arroz con pollo with beans on the side.  And while I was waiting for the chicken to finish in the oven, I dreamed of laying the Chef Marcela's Ancho Chipotle Chicken flat on a waffle and topping with a sunny side up egg with cilantro and onions or pico de gallo!

While that's baking, make my Tapatio Ranch dressing and toss with Spring Mix.

You might have to cut the chicken to fit (there were 3 huge thigh portions in my package)
Assemble and serve!


Our favorite Marcela Valladolid products are the Arrachera Steak, Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips, Chile Lime Flaquitos and Corn Tortillas.  Authentic flavors that we love!  You can win a $50 Safeway/Vons Gift Card to try some!  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Birthdays Need A Smash Cake! #BirthdayBundle

You don't need a perfect party to have a good time.  I only learned that a couple weeks ago after my son's 1st Birthday party.  I spent weeks planning and I was so stuck on everything going to plan when all that really mattered was if the kids had fun!  Kids are the best because they have no expectations, make friends easy and no worries --- They could've really cared less if I set up a fun photo booth or the cupcakes melted!  But you know what makes a party?  A smash cake!  This was unheard of with my three oldest kids!  And you surely didn't put your kid's face in it!  The horror!  So in my never ending quest to save a buck, I came across the $5 Birthday Bundle at Vons (also Pavilions and Safeway).  For only $5 you get a Betty Crocker Cake Mix, Betty Crocker Frosting, Betty Crocker Rainbow Candles and a 2-liter 7-Up!   Hello easy and delicious smash cake!  You don't have to spend a small fortune on cake!

You totally don't have to have a special occasion to pick up the Birthday Bundle!

Stir up that frosting real good!

I baked the cake in a 13 x 9 pan and used a bell jar to cut out 2 cute circles of cake!

I'm telling you - super easy!

So it doesn't look perfect but the price, ease and taste was perfecto!  Right on the money!

I overpaid - don't make the same mistake!

Look for the dedicated display in the baking aisle and be sure to use your store's loyalty card to receive the Birthday Bundle for $5!  It is available at all Vons, Pavilions and Safeway stores from now till May 21, 2013!

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and SAFEWAY  but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BirthdayBundle  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Strength of 1 with Freschetta Pizza!

I love this type of deal because I love pizza and I love flowers!  My husband loves buying flowers for me but I always give him a hard time about spending too much money on bouquets.  With this deal, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month - you buy 2 Freschetta Pizzas and SAVE $5 on Flowers at Vons!  You have to have Vons Club Card and sign up for Vons Just for You Program to find this digital coupon download.   

It's easy to get your Vons Club Card - you can sign-up in-store or you can go to Vons.com, print out the form and bring it to your local store.  With your Club Card, you can enjoy exclusive savings all across the store AND anytime you shop online at Vons.com. Vons Club Card membership entitles you to enjoy all our special money-saving promotions.

You can save 10-20% more with just for U - Benefits include coupon center - digital coupons, no clipping; personalized deals and your club specials.  Sign-up online or in-store!  

Every ONE of us has the power to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Join the FRESCHETTA® team to see how your efforts, both big and small, can add up to great results. Learn more about The Strength of 1 ™ 

Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™.  All thoughts are my own.