A Little Food for Thought

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I spent most of last week scrambling from store to store engaging in my own version of “Say Yes to the Dress” hoping to find the perfect dress for my son’s upcoming wedding. Little did I know that I was successfully exposing myself (and my family) to God knows what and hoping this invisible enemy would just disappear. The good news….I found the dress…The bad news….The wedding is off, or postponed for now.

My husband, Steve is happy because all of the ‘say no to the dresses’ have been successfully returned and the credit card is tucked away….for now.

What is the take away? Stay positive, worry about what we can control, and turn off the tv after the Today Show.

For me, self quarantining is a great time to search out recipes to share! Technically, I should be offering immune boosting recipes, but today, since our restaurant choices are limited, I found some great ‘restaurant quality’ recipes to share. Check this twist on chicken Parm from Cuisine Magazine!

Chicken Parmesan Roulades 

with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Caesar Salad

For the roulades—

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves pounded thin (6 oz. each)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Fresh Mozzarella sticks cut into eight, 2″ long pieces

For the coating—

• 1 C. panic bread crumbs (I use Italian blend)
• 1 C. Parmesan cheese shredded
• 1 T. minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 C. all purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 C. olive oil

For the sauce—

• 1 C. chopped onions
• 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
• 3 C. cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 C. chopped fresh basil
• Salt to taste

serve WiTh:

Caesar Salad, 
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded

CAESAR SALAD

Makes 10 cups; Total time: 15 minutes

Mash TogeTher:

11/2 t. garlic, minced
1/4 t. kosher salt

Whisk in:
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated 2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 T. mayonnaise
1 t. anchovy paste
1 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t. black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Toss WiTh:
10 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Mash garlic and salt together with the flat side of a knife blade until it forms a paste,  Whisk remaining ingredients together with the garlic paste until combined. Toss the romaine with the dressing just before serving.

Dear Friends,

I hope you enjoy today’s recipe. Shortcuts work….use jar sauce and store bought dressing…it’s all good.

Every day my daughter FaceTimes me with our 18 month old grandson doing everything from dying spaghetti noodles to finger-painting cards and mailing them to family members. Working full time from home and being so resourceful, I marvel at her positive outlook and commitment.

It’s a lesson. Without being preachy and trite….cheers to health and watching out for each other while doing the right thing…..Stay home….Stay healthy.

🍷Laura