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Movies, Popcorn, & Cashews

This past weekend, my Business Man and I had the treat of discovering a new theater (well, to us) in a town about 25 minutes from the Bean Town, the Shannon Theatre. A friend has been a few times, and insisted that we go on Saturday night. No complaints from me!




Now, just three weekends ago we discovered the dollar theater here in town. (Which costs $2, by the way. Don't ask.) The only thing about the dollar theater is that the movies are, well, old. Not like several years old, but several months after they have come out on the big screen. Sometimes you just can't wait that long! But who wants to pay $8.50 at Regal Cinemas? And another $12 on pop and popcorn? (Not that we ever have... it's not like it's within walking distance of our apartment or anything.)


So, upon hearing about this new theater in a nearby town, we were excited! It only costs $3 a show! And it plays new shows! Well, only one new show. Ha. It only has one screen. So it rotates shows once a week. I guess it can be pretty hit and miss with what they are playing. But we were in luck Saturday night, because they showcased one of the latest romantic comedies, Just Go With It.






Romantic comedies are probably my favorite type of movie to watch. You could probably tell that by looking at my DVD collection. The Proposal, The Wedding Planner, Fool's Gold, Failure to Launch, and my absolute favorite How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, just to name a few. [Side note: I think I own every movie Matthew McConaughey has ever starred in. He used to be my celebrity eye candy. That is, until Ryan Reynolds took over the #1 spot when I saw the Proposal. Matthew McConaughey was getting kinda old anyway. But just so ya know, my heart belongs to my Business Man.]


Anyways, we had a great time! The unique thing about the Shannon is that it is located right next door to Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn. Only the best place to buy candy-coated, chocolatey, caramel, or cheesy popcorn on the planet. I have talked about it before, right here






Since it's right next door, they provide all the popcorn for the theater! Fresh, buttery, delicious popcorn. And, we were able to get a large popcorn and and two large pops for just $5. That's a steal in this day and age.


Will we go back? Most definitely... I wonder what shows they're playing next weekend? 


And now, I would like to share with you a dinner recipe. To prove that we do actually eat vegetables and protein in this household. Actually, I am feeling compelled to share this because I have made it twice in the past 2 weeks. It's that good. I usually won't repeat recipes in the same year unless it's something totally awesome, like BBQ Chicken Pizza.


My Business Man absolutely loves Chinese food, so anytime it's on the menu he's a happy man. His favorite is Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, but it's not the healthiest out there. It probably wouldn't be too bad, if we could actually follow the serving guidelines. How could that one little bag of chicken serve 7 people? It definitely only serves 2. 


So, when I stumbled upon this Cashew Chicken recipe, I knew I had to try it. The best thing about it is that I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Chicken, some sort of veggie, garlic, soy sauce. I guess you might not have cashews, but I bought a big bag at Christmas and am trying to use them up. The first time I made this dish, I used broccoli as the veggie. However, the second time, I used fresh red pepper (on sale for just $1!), and it completely made the dish. Don't leave out the red pepper.





As for the rice? We love to use Trader Joe's frozen brown rice. It cooks in 3 minutes in the microwave and always comes out perfect! (Yes, I have difficulty cooking rice. I can whip up chocolate mousse with my eyes closed, but rice is a whole different game.)


Here's the recipe! Hope you enjoy!




Cashew Chicken


  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 8-oz. can water chestnuts, sliced
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic
  • ½ cup cashews
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • Brown rice, for serving

Method

Heat skillet on medium heat and add 1 tbsp. olive oil. Add onion and saute 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from skillet.

Season chicken with salt & pepper. Coat with cornstarch. Add the remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil to skillet and add chicken. Brown on both sides until cooked, about 5 minutes per side. Add minced garlic, red pepper, water chestnuts, cooked onions, and cashews; cook about 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium low. In a small bowl, combine molasses and soy sauce. Pour into skillet, coating chicken and vegetables. Let simmer about 5 minutes. Serve over brown rice.


Adapted from: How Sweet It Is

Comments

Kristi Kay said…
I am totally making this!!! Looks great!

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