Chicken Paillards with Tomato, Basil, and Roasted-Corn Relish

Hi friends, happy Friday! Psyched about the weekend as usual!  Instead of Friday Favorites, I'm sharing my Bon Appétit's August 2005 recipe with you that I made Wednesday night for dinner.  I actually feel like the recipe is mine because I've had it for so long.  Too bad I can't truly claim it.  Shucks.  Anywho, it's lower in calories and healthy and delish.  Some substitutions can be made to make it even healthier as well if you're on the diet bandwagon.  So tweak away as you see fit.  My suggestions: Use panko or a mixture of panko and flour for the breading {even though it's lightly breaded anyway, every little bit counts, right?}, cut the serving size in half if you're into portion control, and nix serving an additional side dish...the tomato and corn relish is quite the substantial accompaniment in and of itself.  Well, let me rephrase that last suggestion.  Super hungry husbands, boyfriends, etc. are apt to need a small extra side dish...so mainly I'm speakin to the ladies here. : )

Hope you enjoy this one!  Next week, I'll be whipping up a few dishes from Gwynie's {Gwyneth Paltrow's} book My Father's Daughter to share with you.  And by the way, tisk, tisk on the New York Times for their recent article.  If you read her book and watch her in action cooking on tv shows and on goop.com, it's clear she has no ghostwriter. Sheesh.  Nobody puts Gwynie in the corner.  So step off Times!

Additionally, my plan {weather permitting of course} is to make a dish of her's and pack a picnic and take my husband on a date by the river this weekend.  Hopefully, there will be no proverbial rain on our parade. I'm either thinking I'll go with her Classic Chopped Salad and her Turkey BLT or the Crab Cake Burgers with Spicy Remoulade with a side of fruit. They both sound quite marvelous.

Let's begin on this chicken recipe shall we? Full recipe found {here}.  I took note of some of the reviews and squeezed some lemon on and also peppered up the chicken prior to the breading.  I even added a few dashes of poultry seasoning to the panko and flour mixture for extra flavor.

Chicken with Tomato, Basil, and Roasted-Corn Relish
{Yields 4 Servings}

Ingredients:

Relish

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels {truth time: I used two whole kernal corn cans}
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 3 tablespoons finely sliced fresh basil

Chicken

• 4 large skinless boneless chicken breast halves, tenderloins removed
• All purpose flour {I use panko and flour}
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter {oooops, I used salted}
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Prep and Directions:

*Preheat oven to 375 and brush baking sheet with olive oil.
*Get everything on the counter in one space in front of you for easy access.
*Put skillet on stove with melted butter and oil on low until your ready to cook the chicken.
*Complete all prep work: chop green onions, halve the tomatoes, slice the basil, get a plate ready for the flour/panko mixture, pound the chicken {see next *}. Or wait a bit for this part like I did.
*If you are terrified of yucky, germy, disgusto, raw chicken juices, brace yourself.  I despise this part{Dylan thinks I'm a huge germaphobe in general} but I participate in this part of the recipe anyway for this particular dish.  I so totally wanted to wear gloves but didn't have any so I washed my hands with anti-bacterial soap 15 times during the process courageously took on the challenge.

Relish ingredients chopped and ready. 
NOTE: The basil is fresh 
from our garden! Pat on back!  : )

Spread corn out after drizzling a tad more olive oil.  Pop into oven.

Rest of the relish goes into a bowl while corn roasts.

I added a dash of white wine vinegar and fresh ground pepper.

Panko and Flour mixture with added paprika and poultry seasoning.

 *No picture available for the pounding of the chicken.  No way I was letting gross raw chicken juices near my camera.  No thank you salmonella.  So instead, I'll explain in words.  After you wash the chicken and pat dry, salt and pepper it and stick into a gallon size zip lock bag.  Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the bag with the chicken.  Close the bag {not gonna lie, husband assisted with this entire daunting task} and then place bag on your counter and beat the living daylights out of the chicken firmly pound down with a mallet, rolling pin, or botton of a sauce pan.  After this, wash your hands!  In my case, rewash and rewash my hands again and again.  Hmmm, I do sound quite the germaphobe! ; ) Whatevs.

*Get each piece of chicken out and dredge in the panko/flour mixture.  Into skillet with melted butter and oil and cook away! Again no photo available for this.  Let's wait until the final product shall we?

At this juncture, take the corn out {after about 15 mins of roasting} and add the rest of the relish. 
The recipe does not call for this but I think the flavors blend so nicely
especially with the tomatoes roasting as well.  Back into the oven for another 10-12 mins.

*Cook the chicken about 5 mins per side in the skillet.  Plate the chicken after it has cooked and rested for about 5 mins.  Spoon relish over top and dig in! It's scrumptious! 

Sprucing Up A Mantel

One of my favorite blogs, The Lettered Cottage, has a blog post on decorating fireplace mantel's for Spring.  This intrigues me because I literally despise our mantel {its old, hard to clean brick with a tacky gold screen}.  Yuck.  I've gone over in my head what to do with it to add some life to it and possibly make it somewhat easy on the eyes.  Nothing really comes to mind that seems practical.  If we weren't renting the house then, of course, we'd work on a little renovation project but there is no point in putting money into something when you honestly get no return on investment.  So what to do??? A cheap way to spruce up the ugly mantel.  To make it somewhat aesthetically pleasing by putting nick-nacks on top but not doing a thing {other than cleaning the brick} to the fireplace itself.  I love these ideas from the Spring Fling Link Party from The Lettered Cottage and am narrowing down how to use decor we already have or find cheap flea market finds to mimic these ideas. Wish me luck!

Photo {via}.  I have an adorable window pane
just like this one and I have mason jars as well!  This could work.

Photo {Simple Details}. 
I love the sun mirror with the other mirror behind it. Like the layering affect.

Photo {Keeping Up With The Times}
Again, love the layering here.  Already have moss balls,
a mirror, pics this size.  Another contender!

Photo{via}
This is super cute! I love the ceiling tiles with the wreath
and the cotton in the white pitcher to the right. 

Any other ideas?  Send em my way if so!

TBC... 

Friday Favorites

Ooops! Blogless as of late!  I've had another mini blog hiatus because our sweet little Abbey has had some tummy troubles.  We took her to the vet early this week and all her tests came back fine so we think its just a little stomach bug of some sort.  Either way, she's been babied by us and all of our focus and attention has been towards her this week.  We think she is on the mend because she actually ate her normal food yesterday.  We've had her on a diet of bland canned food from the Vet and gave it a shot again with her regular food yesterday and she ate it!  Whew.

Here are my Friday Faves {which include wrap-ups and pics from last weekend to now}:

1.  Vickory Creek at Old Mill Park.  Last Saturday, we took Abbey for a walk here {she felt great then. This was pre-tummy trouble}.  We visit this spot nearly every weekend because it's so relaxing and pretty.  It's literally not even two miles from our house which we find very cool indeed.  ; )

See the people sitting by the waterfall?

Think I'll take a dip!

2. Two Urban Licks. Oh how I love this restaurant.  Last weekend, we ventured into the city to have dinner here with a fabulous couple.  For three years in a row, in my earlier 20's, I had my birthday at Two so clearly, I'm a huge fan. The mood is great, the food fantastic, and I'm always a sucker for live jazz/blues music. So is hubby! And woooh! Their salmon chips and salad are true delights! And healthy to boot.

Photo via Yelp

3.  Broiled Tilapia with Mustard-Chive Sauce courtesy of Giada de Laurentis.  This is a very very healthy, low cal and low carb dish.  The fish cooks quickly and the entire thing is a cinch to make.  I had Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Sweet Potatoes with mine and husband had Boiled Red Potatoes with Fat Free Gravy.  My only revision to Giada's recipe would be to back off on the lemon.  I love lemon but sometimes it can be a bit overpowering.  Next time, I'll use half of a small lemon instead. 
The recipe is found here.  So far so good for "Svelte Quest 2012."

Sauce Ingredients: Honey, Greek Yogurt, Dijon, lemon, chives

All into bowl...

Whisk in lemon juice.  Remember waaay less than on recipe!

Drizzle sauce over broiled tilapia...tada!

Dice a small sweet potato into cubes. 
Drizzle with olive oil,
Sprinkle sea salt, rosemary, and thyme.
Bake in the oven at 350 until
golden. 

My healthy meal!

4. Rooftop patio at Ceviche on Canton Street.  Fabulous! I urge everyone in and around Atlanta to go visit.  Dylan and I are so pleased with it and it's a great addition to the restaurant we already love so much.  Note: Their shrimp tacos, skinny margaritas, and Shrimp and Crab Poblano dip are super yum! 

Photo taken with my bberry.  Excuse the minivan!

Enjoy your weekend!  For us: we've got some fun, sham-rockin' stuff planned for St. Patty's Day!  Cleaning and errands in the morning, then getting together with friends at their apartment rooftop, then onto Virginia Highlands for the evening.  Sunday is church, some light yard work, and plenty o rest!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  I'm elated that it's finally Friday.  I was starting to get desperate.  This time, because I'm on the home stretch of the Chemical Breakdown diet.  It's been one heck of a ride.  Today is my last full day of it thankfully!  Wednesday and Thursday were pretty rough but I'm pleased to say I pushed through it and have lost weight!  The jeans button easy again!  Whew.  Now, to keep the weight off and lose a teeny bit more.  I've come to realize that the old adage is sometimes true...Beauty is pain! Lol.  OUCH!

Here are my Friday Favorites:

1. Flowers. flowers. And more flowers!  I've been on a kick lately and Trader Joe's never disappoints.  They have a wonderful array to choose from and are soooo cheap!  Here are my arrangements.



Purple Hyacinth. Smells divine.



White Gerber Daisies, mini yellow Roses, Hypericum

2.  Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer.  This self-tan lotion lives up to it's name and truly gives you a natural glow.  You can achieve a sun kissed look without tanning beds or full on sun exposure.  The older I get, the more careful I become with my skin.  Tinted moisturizers, spray tans, etc. are the way to go to skip out on premature wrinkles.  Tanning bed, see ya bye!  Love this stuff!

3. Pink nail polish.  A must have for Spring!  Hot pink nail polish makes me smile.  I'm still obsessed with my Sinful Colors nail polish in Folly which I've mentioned before but wanted to mention again.  It stays on for a good while and doesn't chip easily like other brands.

See, makes me happy! And sassy with my hand on my hip!

4.  Fork Decor.  Know those cute little fork, spoon, and knife pictures and wall sconces that are oh so popular these days?  Well, I tried to keep our house free of this trend.  Then, the inevitable.  Pier One reeled me in.  In my defense, this one is super super cute and on clearance and, ever the hustler, I noticed a slight scratch and talked the manager down even more! Raahahaha! Playing around with where to hang it in our dining room.



5.  Pesto Dip from Alta Cucina.  Last week, we got some of this amazing dip at Roswell Provisions.  Alta Cucina features their items at local shops and farmer's markets, so I was pleasantly surprised they showcased this dip at my favorite store! This is very healthy and soooo delish.  In fact, writing about this favorite on the strict diet/detox I'm currently on is about to push me over the edge so I'll have to stop describing it now!  Ha! Check the website {link above} on how to order their products. You won't regret it!

On our agenda this weekend: Some painting and yard work, a dinner date with a fun couple tomorrow night at Two Urban Licks {salad and grilled fish for me and my waistline}, church, and hopefully a good movie!  Enjoy your wkend! : )

Svelte Quest 2012

It's that time.  Time to drop the fork filled with pasta and become a lean, mean, exercise machine.  I dreaded this about two weeks ago when I attempted to put on my "skinny jeans" and realized...hmmm...it's actually time to do some work!  They didn't button quite as easy as they did before the wedding.  Not gonna lie though, it's been fun eating decadent, hearty, winter meals and cuddling by the fire!  Now, we'll just have to find a way to make healthy foods just as enjoyable.  If there is a will, there is a way, and I'm willing and up for the challenge! Hubby's on board too which is HUGE!  It always helps when you have a diet and exercise partner. Someone to hold you accountable when you are salivating over the snickers bar. Not that he needs to lose weight AT ALL...just wants to tone up and be healthy.

The cold weather is still lingering a bit, so I allowed myself to have two chocolate chip cookies last night as a way of saying fairwell to the fat.  Gotta go out in style, right?  So thank you chocolate chip cookies for your company but now you're no longer invited to the party.

To jump start my "Svelte Quest 2012," I'm catching a ride on the fad diet bandwagon.  Now, I know this isn't the best way to do it but I do believe in detox style diets so long as you don't eat like a piggie after you're done and gain all the weight back.  That's not healthy.  So this little Chemical Breakdown Diet {also known as the Three Day Diet} has worked for me in the past and it's been quite a while since I've done it.  Why not give it a shot! I usually lose 5-7 pounds on it. 

I was inches away from going full speed ahead with Gwynie's {Gwyneth Paltrow's} detox diet {see her detox here} but seven days of it would be very difficult and too extreme for me at this juncture.  Plus, I've never tried coconut water, believe it or not, and the thought of it makes me a bit queezy.

Later, I will try out some of the items on her detox, just not in the seven day span.  Her Beet, Carrot, Apple and Ginger juice smoothie looks good to me {below}.  I also plan to try the Teriyaki Chicken {also shown below}.  

Picture via Goop

Picture via Goop

So tomorrow is day 1 of the Chemical Breakdown Diet for me so I'll be pretty ill for the first day of it.  I've already warned hubby!  : )  After the first day and the first night of sleep, your body feels better and better.  By the third day, you feel so much lighter and fresh!  It's amazing what removing the  junk from your diet can do for brain function, stimulating your digestive system, and improving your overall health.  Disclaimer: DRINK TONS OF WATER!!!  You're body needs lots of water when you aren't on any type of diet so when you are, especially a detox type, you need to replentish and rejuvenate your body and water is necessary to accomplish this.

Whenever you diet/detox, always consult your doctor and make sure you are taking care of yourself during the process.  Plenty of sleep as well.  I, personally, cannot participate in heavy exercise on this particular diet.  Your doctor and your body will tell you if you can on whatever diet/detox you might choose. 

After the three days, I will be focusing on healthy menu's for Dylan and I.  By healthy, I mean 4-6 ounces of chicken, fish, other lean meat and veggies.  Hubs needs more carbs than I do so when I prepare, say, steamed brocolli or asparagus for me, I can make boiled red potatoes with fat free gravy or brown rice for him.  He can get away with a sub sandwich with a few veggies thrown in for his lunch, while I need more salads, protein, fruits, almonds, granola, etc. I love all those during warm weather so it shouldn't be too hard. 

Another key is portion control and moderation.  If we want a steak and baked potato in two weeks, we'll have it.  The next day, however, will be much lighter fare.  I'll always be somewhat of a "foodie" at heart and don't intend to give up on flavor, just to make some of the favorites lighter and adapt new recipes as well.  Our outdoor garden is another huge motivator in this quest for eating healthy.  All those veggies, herbs, and even rasberries and strawberries will come in handy when preparing healthy spring and summer meals. 

We'll up our exercise intake after my three day diet is over which always works wonders for your body and for your energy level.  My treadmill and yoga days are coming back into my life! We'll be pepping up our step on Abbey's walks as well as continuing to work in the yard and garden. GREAT exercise!  Tennis and hiking, here we come too!

I'll leave you with some of my "Svelte Quest 2012" motivation and resource sites...just in case you need a little nudge inspiration too. : )

Shape

Eating Well

Self

Super Simple Supper for Two

If you have busy weekdays like hubby and I, then sometimes supper needs to be fast but still healthy.  Processed food really tends to gross me out as of late and I want Dylan and I to be getting fresh, nutritious foods without spending a fortune and without it being too time consuming.

Enter: A quick little idea for you and yours if anyone in your household finds themselves in a "short on time" predicament. Since we are transitioning into Spring {slowly but surely!} I kept one slightly heavier side dish but the majority of this particular dinner is fairly light.  Remember portion control!  Dylan and I split this meal in its entirety and it worked out quite lovely and we even had leftovers.

Simple Salad.

Wash romaine hearts and regular iceberg lettuce {hubs isn't too fond of the leafier types of lettuce so we went with these}.  Then, add your favorite veggies and toppings.  We did a version of a Chef Salad which is Dylan's fave.  My only epic failure was the calorie-laden Ranch dressing but, hey, you gotta live sometimes right?  Right. : )  We added diced boiled egg, slices of turkey and turkey bacon, and cucumber.  You'll notice the cheese as well.  You can't technically have chef salad without a little cheese! {wink}

Meatballs.

Before assembling the salad, I made the easiest meatballs evah!  I got frozen Italian meatballs and cooked as directed on the package, then I used my small size Dutch Oven and added the meatballs, 1 jar of grape jelly and 1 jar of chili sauce.  You can do many many versions of this.  Depends on the sweet to sour to spicy ratio you prefer.  I've added jalapeno jelly before, apple jelly instead of grape, chili powder and ketchup instead of chili sauce.  There are many different ways but this time we went with the grape jelly and chili sauce.  Simmer the meatballs in this mixture for about 15-20 mins and you're good to go!

Bread with Dipping Sauce.

While my meatballs simmered and after assembling the salad, I just diced up some pieces from a french baguette and used our favorite Herbs de Provence olive oil as a dipping sauce as well as some regular olive oil with balsamic vinegar whisked in.  Simple {and quick!} yet elegant for a week night meal.  Next, I set it all on a tray and headed into the den with my man {and an old Friends episode} for dinner!  Simple. Easy. Delish. Sorta healthy.

Still learning the camera!  This one is yellow! You get the idea though.



One salad bowl, one meatball bowl,
bread and dipping sauces, two forks!