Smoked Chicken Rub

Ingredients

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons cayenne
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoon black pepper

Directions

This recipe should be seen as a base and can be tweaked depending on your liking. For instance, if you like a little more kick to your chicken, feel free to add a little more chili powder and cayenne to give it some heat. It can be simply made by combining all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. It can also easily be combined with a ¼ to a ½ cup of olive oil if you want to turn it into a paste so it will stick to your chicken. Rub it on any cut of chicken from wings, breasts, thighs or legs. 

Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, rinsed and dried
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. freshly-cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Carefully cut the potatoes into 1/4" thin strips, or to your desired thickness and length. Then place in a large bowl, and toss with the remaining ingredients (oil and spices) until potatoes are evenly coated.

Then spread out the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper or silicone baking sheet. (Try not to overcrowd the sheet, or have multiple layers of fries -- you want them to be roasted, not steamed.)

Place in oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the fries once or twice during that time to cook evenly. (May take more or less time, depending on the size and thickness you cut the fries.) Remove once the edges slightly begin to brown and fries begin to crisp.

Chinese Marinated Carrots & Celery

Ingredients:

1/2 lb carrots
1/2 lb celery stalks
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Cut celery and carrots into 2 inch slices and season with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Mix all other ingredients and pour over vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve.