I Feel Like Chicken Tonight...

I feel like a chicken tonight because I am nervous and scared about competing against others in contests.


If the powers that be like my recipe below, I'll be on my way to an all-expenses paid trip to San Francisco to attend the 2nd Annual Foodblogger Festival in November. I'll be able to do a food demonstration and share my recipe with other festival-goers.

I would love to have the opportunity to attend (for free)... I went last year (with a broken arm) but I was so sick the entire weekend that I did not get to participate in any of the festivities. I'd like to make up for that tenfold with a trip this year.

The Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program is a sampling program offered through Foodbuzz and Foodbuzz's brand partners. If you participate in the Tastemaker Program, you can receive a free sample or coupon for product.

This time around, I received a coupon & purchased Nature's Pride Country White Bakery Buns as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program.

Last year I was introduced to Nature's Pride through this same program. Now I seek out their bread products and I feel good that the bread is 100% natural and can be found in my local grocer.

I've decided to use hamburger buns to make easy, simple croustades [croos-tawds]. Croustades are usually a bowl or hollowed out crusty bowl. Usually they're made from circular pieces of cut bread. Most times, the circles of bread are cut from square loaves and there is a lot of waste. By using the buns, you cut out one step and the cups are bigger (more room for incredibly tasting fillings)



Speaking of fillings, the chicken and pumpkin filling is rich, creamy and seasonal. The sage lends an earthy twinge to the pumpkin and the bacon is a toothsome addition to the chicken.

Nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven...

Chicken Pumpkin Croustades Serves 8
4 buns Nature's Pride Country White Bakery Buns, 8 pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for muffin tins
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into small dice
1/4 pound bacon, cut into lardons
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more as needed for topping
1 tablespoon rubbed sage
1 fresh sage leaf, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
With a rolling pin, roll out each bun until thin. Oil small muffin tins and place the bread rounds (top side, down OR bottom side, down) inside. Bake until golden. Store the croustade shells covered in a dry area.

E voila! Chicken Pumpkin Croustades!