September 03 2010

Tuscan Lemon Chicken, anyone?

Last Sunday, I had an impromptu dinner for 15.  I often refer to my trusty resource, Barefoot Contessa, for always delicious and fairly uncomplicated recipes.  After my Contessa selections had been made, I had less than 4 hours to go to the grocery store, prep food and shower before my guests arrived.  

MENU:

Tuscan Lemon Chicken I did not have enough time to marinade the chicken for the minimum 4 hours suggested, nor did I use a whole chicken. Instead I had 2 hours to marinade and I used bone-in split breasts.  The outcome, RAVE reviews from ALL - I can't imagine how delicious it would have been if I had the time to marinade the chicken overnight.  This entree will definitely be on my weekly rotation of meals.

String Beans with Shallots This side dish is a staple in my family. It's the only vegetable my kids don't say, "I don't feel like eating that".

Tomato Feta Salad Love this salad for its freshness and versatility.  Lucky for me my garden flourished this year with tomatoes so I have had ample opportunity to make this salad and repeatedly say to my friends and family, "these tomatoes are straight from my garden".  Although I do not get tired of making this dish or repeating how proud I am of my tomatoes, I presume my guests are so I am always switching up the ingredients to keep it fresh. Here are a few additional ingredients I sometimes add: red and yellow diced bell pepper, cucumber and/or corn. Confession: I don't always add the parsley.

Garlic Ciabatta Bread A little more work than the frozen kind but well worth it. 

_{buon appetito -deborah}