Welcome to my kitchen for a little mid week Wednesday fun!  Do you ever watch the show chopped on the Food Network – I happen to LOVE it.  Here is the premise if you are not familiar.

“Chopped” the Show

The series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets “chopped” until the last man or woman left standing claims victory. Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.

Here is my spin on the whole version of mystery basket of ingredients and a 45 minute time frame to complete the entree.

Ingredients

• 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Grape Tomatoes
• 1 Garlic clove
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1/4 Cup slivered almonds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Warm a large saute pan over medium heat and add oil, tomatoes and garlic – cook down for about 5 minutes





3. Add basil and remove from heat.
4. Lay the chicken on parchment/wax paper and another piece on top and hammer the chicken using a heavy blunt object. I chose a big pan.







5. Once flattened to your desired consistency, start adding the filling and rolling/folding the chicken over.  Once complete, you can top with the almonds or roll your chicken in them depending on how tight your roll is…. mine was kind of loose.  I was rushing for the time clock.



6. Return the chicken to the pan and sear on both sides until brown.



7. Add chicken to a oven safe baking pan and complete the cooking process; about 20 minutes.



8. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: I really feel the key to this dish is searing the chicken prior to roasting it in the oven.  The tomato and garlic combination as well as the almonds create a flavor on the outside.  The last thing you want is to have a dry flavorless chicken which can easily happen.

Well there you have it!  A super fun game to play in your kitchen and really focus on keeping it simple but not sacrificing flavor.  Overall, What is your favorite food to cook of all time? I am going to dedicate an entire post to this but I just wanted to throw the question out there.  Have a super Wednesday and I will see you all on Friday for yet another salad post by zesty.  Can you believe this health kick I am on? – I am loving it!

Take care

zesty

What a weekend!  Lets summarize shall we.  First, I decided to put my Honda Accord up for sale this weekend in preparation to buy a truck to replace it.  I always wanted a truck so now might be the time.  I thought with the new house coming and all the building going on – it would nice to have the ability to haul something when you need to.

On Saturday evening I was treated to a homemade cold plate. It included ham, potato salad, garden tomatoes, cucumbers and homemade bread.  What a treat!  Thanks Nan.

The Black Bomber

In addition, we had a last minute boy/girl wedding shower on Sunday that we had to attend. It was a good time and the desserts were incredible.  I didn’t have my camera which is unfortunate.

So a new week has started and our goal is to make some positive traction on the house.  Survey of the property and soil test is complete.  I am just waiting for the elevation of the plans to be finalized, then move onto the building permit along with temporary electric service.  Once  that is complete, we will be ready to dig the hole a get this party started.

I hope you have a great Monday! I have a real treat for you tomorrow (and Wednesday) so stay tuned for some really creative baking.

Take care

zesty