Chicken Cordon Bacon???
Now there are a few ways to make this succulent French entree, and from what I can tell most involve an oven. However, since these few posts are dedicated to a very special couple stranded in the throws of that “City of Lights” some of us call Paris. Having an apartment with an oven can be hard to come by. That being said, here’s a Chicken Cordon Bleu you can make right over the stove…
Walnut Pesto
So, here’s my second attempt at a wallet-friendly meal that’s really easy to make. I’ve actually been making this for Antoine since we started dating. See, when we first started seeing each other, I didn’t want to spend all my time in the kitchen, I wanted to spend it with him (awwww, mushy I know). At the same time, I wanted to impress him with my culinary prowess. So my focus was really at delicious meal that could be on the fly. Pesto was the perfect solution. When you make it at home it tastes fresh. Even better, it only takes a few ingredients and all you have to do is pour it over pasta.
Red Pepper and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
I’m excited to announce that we had our first recipe request. Two of our friends moved to Paris and one of them (Hi Leezle!) asked if we could come up with some easy, wallet-friendly recipes that she could try out while she is there. She also requested some French inspired dinner ideas, but I’m leaving that to Antoine since he’s more of a Francophile than I am. After much thinking, I came up with a stuffed chicken breast recipe. I used what I had in the fridge (mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and basil), but what’s great about this recipe is that you could put almost anything in there.
FRENCH TOAST BABY!!!!!
Guess what my favorite thing in the whole world is? And no it’s not honey bbq’d baby back ribs, though their up there, but if you guessed breakfast for dinner, then you guessed right. There’s just something about having a warm syrup covered dish for your final meal of the day that snaps you right back to what you always wanted as a kid, but your parents never allowed. Well we’re adults now, so guess who’s coming to dinner…
Chili Rubbed Pork Chops
How juicy and tender does that pork chop look? And you know what, it tasted just as tender and juicy. Antoine and I went to a good friend’s annual pig roast this weekend. They roast an entire pig on a spit and it turns out moist and delicious. I suppose, I was inspired by that. But cooking a whole pig in my tiny Brooklyn apartment is pretty much impossible. So, I had to settle with some nice pork chops from Fresh Direct. I usually eat my chops with just a little salt and pepper, but I decided to do a rub on these. I’ve never done a rub myself, but have had them cooked this way in restaurants. I made up my own little recipe and it as perfect. Then, I grilled them on a nice Lodge cast iron grill pan that Antoine got me a few months back. This time, when I pulled it out, Antoine joked that it’s the most used gift he’s ever gotten anyone. Not sure if that’s true, but I will say that it has become an essential tool in my kitchen. As city-dwellers we don’t have the luxury of an outdoor grill, but this allows us to get those great summer flavors anyway.
Good-For-You Buffalo Chicken
Just because I’m on a healthy kick for summer doesn’t mean I don’t crave bad (well, delicious but not so diet friendly) food. So, instead of depriving myself, and therefore Antoine, I’ve decided to try and lighten up some of my favorites. First up, buffalo chicken wings. Antoine and I have been following the World Cup pretty heavily. He even bought us official USA scarves. And we’ve been meeting friends at bars to watch a lot of the matches. Which means, I’ve been surrounded by delicious, fried food. Mmmm, so good….but certainly not slimming. Last week, I spotted a plate of wings that made me drool. That’s when I knew I had to satisfy the craving by trying to replicate the taste minus the fat content.
Meat Sauce in the Summer!!!
So meat sauce in the summer, for me, is the same as it is in the winter. Call me a one trick pony, but unlike my illustrious girlfriend I don’t change for the seasons. So because I was craving it, behold, a non-light pasta dish with a chunky tomato sauce.
Bethany
Antoine
