Pei- Wei Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I am the first to confess that not all of my "experiments" in the kitchen turn out well. They just don't. But, unfortunately for my family, I still make them eat it.

Yesterday, however, dinner was a huge hit! Company worthy, even. I had a hankering for something Asian- spicy- crunchy and I remembered these lettuce wraps I had at Pei-Wei a while ago. Now, I made up my own recipe, but then searched online and found Paleo lettuce wraps all over the place! (There are probably some recipes better than mine so look around!) Apparently, I'm not as original as I thought! But, these really were yummy.

I marinated chicken breasts in a combination of Tamari (wheat free soy sauce) and a bit of maple syrup. (Each side for about an hour). I cooked the chicken on the stove top in a pan with a little olive oil and then shredded the chicken.

I chopped up a bunch of veggies I found in my fridge (cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and green onion) and made a Thai style "peanut" sauce, except I used almond butter. The sauce turned out wonderfully! (I just added almond butter, olive oil, honey, and Tamari sauce until it tasted good to me.)

I have to tell you about the lettuce I found to wrap them in. I had never seen it until this week and, although it's not organic, it is awesome! It's a cross between iceberg and romaine lettuce and was perfect for making wraps. I've also used them to make "sandwiches." (I wrap a slice of deli meat and some avocado in it and dip it in dijon mustard...yum!) I also love the convenience of pre-washed lettuce. (Jeff once called me lazy for not buying the cheaper lettuce that you wash yourself.) But, this is one shortcut I don't feel guilty about making. For some reason, I am terrible at washing lettuce- it always ends up soggy and gross.

(I apologize for being so completely computer illiterate that I can not figure out how to rotate this pic.)

This meal was a huge hit with the fam. And, guess who gets to eat the leftovers for lunch? ME!

I will leave you with a picture of my newest baby. I am very excited to have found a great deal on a gorgeous piano at an estate sale. It was delivered yesterday. Needless to say (if you know me at all) there has been a LOT of jamming going on in the Lo house. LOVING it!