Television Feasts

I am a home cook who backyard gardens and has a serious closet addiction to the Food Network. I envision visiting the world in my own kitchen.

From Julia to Giada, I am a bi-product of the quirky world of anything food television. At age 10 I wanted to lunch with Julia; at 12 I thought sitting at Graham Kerr's table would be bliss; in college I was a diligent voyeur student of Jeff Smith's; and as a newlywed I envisioned myself being Martha. Then the sky opened up and violin music played in the background when I discovered an entire family of food shows on the blossoming food network. Twenty years later I am still a home chef with a backyard garden, yet in my head I am a trained chef who has eaten her way around the world, tasted all things exotic, competed in many challenges, judged the best of the best, and have a circle of friends which includes Emeril, Bobby, Rachael and more. I like to learn and challenge myself simply for the pleasure of all things food. I am a student of the University of Food Network and my textbooks, exams and extra-curricular activities all stem from channel 39.


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Caprese Chicken

I got back last night from a work weekend.  The garden is overgrown as though we were gone a month!  So much to harvest.  I found the afternoon peaceful working in the garden and being in my kitchen!  Although, we did enjoy some delicious food in the Cleveland area.  I had a memorable crab burger in the hotel restaurant; and we went to our 'go to' Chinese place in Solon, OH.  But as nice as it was to see friends, have a successful business weekend, and to enjoy new food, I am happy to be back creating fresh food in my own kitchen!
This easy, fresh chicken recipe is an homage to a Caprese Salad.  T he fragrant fresh basil is intoxicating.  The cherry tomatoes burst quickly in the hot pan and created a delicious sauce.  And, the chicken, was tender and clean.  Basic and simple ingredients are often times the best.  Each flavor shined through.  Don't leave off the balsamic; it ties all of the flavors together.
5 days to make up by the end of the year to make 365 new things.....not sure but I will give it my best effort!

Caprese Chicken
printable recipe

3-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
A few tablespoons of olive oil
3-4 large cloves of garlic, minced
2 pints of fresh cherry tomatoes
10-15 fresh basil leaves
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced in 1/2" slices
balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm about 1 T. olive oil.  Add the chicken and cover; cook for 10-12 minutes.  Flip the chicken and continue to cook thoroughly (or has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees).
While chicken is cooking, in a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, warm another tablespoon of olive oil.  Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes.  Cook for 5 minutes until the skins begin to split, soften and wrinkle.  About 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.


Add the tomato mixture to the pan with the chicken.
Top each piece of chicken with the fresh mozzarella slices.  Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts.

Serve over pasta with a drizzle of balsamic.



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