In a big city in New York or California, a farm in Montana or the countryside in Georgia, one thing reigns true. You can put a smile on family and friends face without saying a word. You can COOK UP HAPPINESS!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Quick Easy and Down Right Impressive


What do do when company is coming over unexpectedly? Make Company Chicken. This flavorful recipe turns plain chicken into something special.

Company Chicken


4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/8 tsp granulated garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg beaten
1 TB milk
1/3 cup all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine the bread crumbs, garlic, oregano and basil in a shallow bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Place flour in a third shallow bow.

Lightly coat each chicken breast with flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture and then the bread crumbs, making sure to evenly coat both sides.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan 2 at a time. The breading will darken quickly so make sure to watch the pan. You just want to get the breading a beautiful brown and finish the cooking in the oven. remove the chicken from the pan and place on a baking rack that has been placed on a baking sheet. Brown the second batch of chicken, transfer to the baking sheet and then bake at 425 degrees for 15 mins or until the chicken is cooked through.

Pasta with a Mediterranean Twist

10 oz dry penne pasta
4 tbs olive oil divided
1 tbs fresh garlic shopped
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
8 oz frozen spinach, thawed or 16 oz fresh spinach
1 15oz can garbanzo beans rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup olives pitted and halved
1 tbs greek seasoning
1 1/2 tsp basil
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Romano cheese freshly grated
1/4-1/2 tsp salt
1/4-1/2 tsp pepper

Boil the pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbs of the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper, heat until the garlic is fragrant. Add the spinach, only if using the frozen. Cook until heated through. Add the garbanzo beans, tomatoes and olives. Cook for 1 min. Add the greek seasoning and basil. If using fresh spinach, add it and let it start to wilt. Add the cooked pasta and remaining olive oil to the mixture in the skillet. Blend in the feta and half of the Romano cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place on a serving platter and top with remaining Romano cheese

Prep time 15 mins
Cook time 15 min
Serves 6

Prep time 15 mins
Cook time 14 mins
Serves 4