Chinese 5 Spice Chicken drumsticks and Pesto Salmon

Tonight's dinner menu is Chinese 5 Spice Chicken drumsticks and Pesto Salmon. The chicken is for the boys (since I still don't like chicken since I got pregnant- thank you Gus!) and salmon for me!
I will upload pictures of the finished product tonight, but for now here are the recipes!
Chinese 5 Spice Chicken Drumsticks

1. 2 Tablespoons Chinese 5 Spice Powder (I use the one from the spice shop in Florence in Old Town- it's super fresh and yummy and comes in a cute bottle that is reusable)
2. 2 Teaspoons sesame oil
3. 1 Teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
5. 1 teaspoon sugar
6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
7. 2 pounds chicken drumsticks

• Toast the 5 spice powder in a pan for 1-2 minutes until the essential oils are released and you can smell the 5 spice.
• Add all other ingredients and cool to room temp
• rub all over chicken drumsticks and marinate for up to 5 hours
• After 5 hours of marinating, fry off the chicken in a little oil and then bake for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees until there is no pink in the center of the drumsticks
• Serve with white rice and Enjoy!

Pesto Salmon

1. 1 bunch of fresh basil
2. 2 garlic cloves
3. 1/3 Cup parmesan cheese
4. 1/4 Cup pine nuts
5. 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6. 1 Teaspoon salt
7. 1 6 oz salmon filet

• Put basil, garlic, cheese, pine nuts and salt in Cuisanart and pulse until all ingredients are blended
• Add olive oil slowly until the pesto is formed

Take salmon filet and top with 1-2 Tablespoons of the pesto. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until slamon is slightly pink in the middle.

**Photos taken by Mr. Robert Hanenkrat and his iPhone4**