• Original Creations

    Chicken Marbella

    October 8, 2018 /

    You can not begin to imagine the smell in this house right now, or the taste of this Chicken Marbella recipe, that is, unless you’ve tried it for yourself. 

    This recipe is SO easy and delicious, especially for days when you plan to entertain guests and want to streamline the cooking process as much as possible. Being able to enjoy the company

    of your guests without having to stand over a stove all evening is a gift, which, admittedly, I am guilty of. 

    There are several ways to prepare this dish- stovetop, oven, slow cooker, etc.

    What remains the same are the handful of key ingredients- Capers, Prunes, Spanish Green Olives, Garlic, White Wine, Oregano, Brown Sugar, and of course- Chicken!

    The type of chicken you prefer for this recipe and cooking method is up to you, but I personally prefer boneless skinless breast meat, which I cook in a Crock Pot for about 6 hours until the chicken becomes tender and flavors have penetrated through, leaving a flavorful finished product. 

    Chicken Marbella
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    Ingredients
    1. 1 Small Pack of Boneless Skinless (full sized) Chicken Breasts
    2. 1/4 Cup Capers
    3. 1/2 Cup Dried Prunes (sliced)
    4. 1/2 Cup Spanish Green Olives (pitted and halved)
    5. 4 Cloves of Garlic (smashed and rough chopped)
    6. 1 Shallot (sliced)
    7. 2 TSP Brown Sugar
    8. 2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    9. 2 TSP Champagne Vinegar
    10. 1/4 Cup of White Wine (chardonnay)
    11. 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
    12. 1/2 TSP Dried Oregano
    13. 4 Bay Leaves
    14. Salt & Pepper (to taste)
    Instructions
    1. Clean and cut chicken breasts in half. Set aside.
    2. Into a mixing bowl, whisk together white wine, vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, & dried oregano.
    3. Toss together prunes, olives, capers, & shallots until well combined and transfer into a crock pot. Nestle in chicken breasts and pour liquid mixture over the top. Top off with chicken stock to submerge the chicken without completely covering the breasts.
    4. Add additional salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
    5. Cook on high for 5 1/2 hours stirring every hour and then break up chicken into smaller pieces with a fork. Let cook for another 30 minutes or so. Serve hot by itself or over rice.
    saristotle https://saristotle.com/
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  • Original Creations

    Tomato Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts

    May 6, 2018 /

    Many of the recipes I post can be put together in a relatively short period of time, because like you, I also have a very demanding schedule and do not always have as much time as I’d like to spend cooking! One of these recipes is my “Tomato Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts,” which is something I whip up quickly when short on time. From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 20 minutes, which even the Pizza delivery guy can’t compete with!

    Tomato Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts

    A misconception I often hear as to why many people don’t cook is that they feel it is too difficult and complicated or that it simply just takes too long to put together, when in reality it’s actually the opposite. 

    As long as you have a few basic techniques down and a couple of “go to” flavor profiles, you are sure to put together a great and flavorful dish every time. All you need is a bit of passion towards putting together a lovingly prepared meal, and the rest will follow organically. 

    Pasta with Tomato Pesto

    The world is changing and our generation is advancing on to the newest trends, like meal delivery programs, for example. I mean, why not?? All of the ingredients are portioned ahead, the recipes crafted up by world renowned chefs to prepare in the comfort of our own homes, and with easy to follow “step by step” instructions, it’s a no-brainer, right?

    These services are great, especially when factoring in the time saved by the skipped trip to the grocery store, but in the midst of convenience, I encourage everyone to not forget the importance of originality and the sense of pride attributed with a thoughtful, home cooked meal. 

    For another easy “Arugula Pesto” recipe, click here.

    Tomato Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts
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    Ingredients
    1. 3/4 Cup Fresh Basil
    2. 1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes (or any tomato will do)
    3. 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic
    4. 2/3 Grated Reggiano Parmesan
    5. 2/3 Toasted Pine Nuts
    6. 1 TSP Crushed Red Pepper
    7. 1 TSP Black Pepper
    8. 1 TSP Kosher Salt
    9. 2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Instructions
    1. In a frying pan over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden brown, tossing often. While the pine nuts are toasting, assemble the remaining ingredients together (except for the tomatoes and olive oil) and transfer into a blender. Add in toasted pine nuts and slowly incorporate in the olive oil and tomatoes until desired consistency and color is achieved (should be a medium orange color when ready). Store in a refrigerator for up to a week or toss with hot pasta/over grilled chicken immediately.
    Notes
    1. **Depending on the type of tomato you are using or their hue, you may need less or more than the suggested amount to get the correct, medium orange color.
    saristotle https://saristotle.com/
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