Tag Archives: easy recipes

chicken in white wine sauce

Aunt Vivian’s Chicken in White Wine Sauce

I have never much cared for Italian cuisine. I could leave pasta, the red sauce, and the rich meat sauce alone. Oh but this was until I met an Italian who cooks authentic Italian food. Sharon, our associate pastor and dear friend, introduced me to authentic Italian cuisine about five years ago now. I have tried the best fresh ingredients and flavors. With Sharon’s permission I am sharing this gem of a recipe!

Something I’ve noticed about Italians and the way they cook: It must be made in love! :-D

From listening to her stories about her family and seeing her love pour out onto us I know that these dishes are more than just making a meal. It is about showing people you love them and wanting to sit down and fellowship with them.

This recipe has been my favorite thus far (and trust me, I have had some amazing dishes).

The Italian name for this dish is: Pollo zia Vivian in salsa di vino bianco which translates to…

Aunt Vivian’s Chicken in White Wine Sauce

  • 4-6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup olive oil (approximately)
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 stick butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 5 oz white wine (vino bianco)
  • 6 chicken bouillon cubes

With a meat mallet pound the chicken breasts into flour (I put them in a ziploc bag).

Pour approximately 1/2″ of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. When the oil is very hot, add the chicken. Cook chicken until it turns white. Remove chicken to a separate plate.

Lower the heat and add the parsley and garlic into the pan. When the garlic turns transparent. Add the butter, wine, and the juice of the lemon letting it simmer on low.

In a mason jar (or container with a lid) add about 10-12 oz hot water & bouillon cubes, taking care to not burn your hand on the hot jar. Shake vigorously, then add 2 Tbs flour & cold water. Shake well. Add this mixture to the skillet. Pour over the chicken. Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees. It should be bubbly and yummy!

This can served over mashed potatoes (that is my vote) or over pasta!

Hope you enjoy!

 

happy wives almonds

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

I once heard someone say, “The way to a man’s heart is thru his stomach.”    I believe that there is some truth to that statement. 

Food is love. 

Unfortunately for my husband, I am not a cook.  I grew up on microwave dinners and restaurants.   The knowledge and gift of being able to whip up a culinary masterpiece from scratch was not passed along to me.

But that doesn’t stop me from trying.

If food is love, then I want to cook for my husband as much as possible.

These Cinnamon Sugar Almonds are a sure ticket to my husband’s heart. They are the perfect combination of nutty crunchy sweetness.    

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • 3 Cups Almonds (raw)
  • ¼ Cup brown sugar
  • ½ Cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl combine the egg white and water.  Whisk until it gets a little bit frothy.

In a separate small bowl mix together the sugars and the cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the almonds and the egg white mixture.  Stir until almonds are well covered in the egg white.  Next, pour in your sugar mixture and combine well to ensure that all almonds are coated.

Spread almonds in an even layer on the baking sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and give them a stir. Then, bake another 10 – 15 minutes.

I love to eat the almonds when they are still warm from the oven.

Feel free to experiment with combinations of other nuts that you love.   Almonds just happen to be my favorite.

You won’t believe how wonderful  your house will smell while these are baking.

These almonds are not only a great treat for your husband, but they would also make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.   

I hope you enjoy!

What snack do you like to make for your sweetie?

Recipe adapted from Damn Delicious

 

 

 

chicken stir fry

Easy Chicken Stir Fry

My dad went to culinary arts school. So growing up I had a chance to taste all sorts of creations! 

When I got married and started cooking for my husband (at the time I could NOT cook) and we had some adventures. I tried simple recipes. After awhile I started making and mixing my own stuff. This has been a slow process simply because I am a busy woman! I have things to do besides slave over a complicated recipe… oh did I mention I am not that patient? :)

So a couple weeks ago I made a dish.. from scratch! It was SO easy! I had to share with all you other busy women out there! (Also this was my VERY FIRST time cooking with ginger! I loved it)

Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless chicken breast
  • 1 bag of minute rice / instant / boil in a bag
  • 2 green peppers or red peppers
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • Vegetable or Olive oil
  • Salt
  • ginger powder
  • garlic powder
  • soy sauce

Chicken

Preheat oven to 425. Cut chicken breast into strips. Season chicken with salt, ginger powder, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly across the chicken. I did not measure this. Just eyeballed it :) Cook the chicken until done. Then cut into bite sized chunks. 

Vegetables

Cut the peppers and onion into strips. Then heat up a skillet or frying pan to medium heat with a little oil. I didn’t measure the oil, but my guess is that it was about 3-4 tablespoons. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ginger and 1 tablespoon garlic powder. Saute with the onions and peppers (when the onions are clear they are done). 

OK, now I had some instant rice because that is the extent of my talent with rice :) I followed directions on box. 

Add the chicken to the veggie pan. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Thoroughly mix into the rice. 

Viola! You have a healthy, yummy dinner!! 

Disclaimer: I made this portion for just the two of us, so you may want to add more if your cook for a larger family. Also add or take away spices for your families taste buds. Feel free to add more veggies if you want (carrots, snow peas, red onions, water chestnuts, or broccoli). I used what I had on hand. If you have fresh garlic and ginger, use it. It will make it even better!!!

Love,

Aunt LaLa

Granma Pruitt's Tender Chicken

Grandma Pruitt’s Tender Chicken

I have such fond memories of my maternal great grandmother. Grandma Pruitt came to our house frequently.

There was a recipe my dad created that Grandma Pruitt loved!

She would always eat several pieces.

Dad made it for her every time she came over. So I am going to share it with you.

It is one of my favorite things! (and sooo simple!!)

Grandma Pruitt’s Tender Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 Chicken Breast
  • Jar of Miracle Whip (or salad dressing)
  • Bottle of Italian salad dressing
  • Lemon pepper
  • garlic powder

You will need to marinate chicken first. Lightly dust chicken with the lemon pepper and garlic powder. In a bowl that you can cover put the chicken in there and pour a little less than half of the Italian salad dressing. Cover and place in the refrigerator. Let sit for a few hours – or longer if you decide. I usually leave it soaking while I’m at work.

Sauce: (Amounts can be altered depending your own taste)

  • Add 1/2 cup of Miracle Whip
  • Add the remainder of the Italian dressing
  • Mix it and it’s ready. As far as consistency it needs to be thin enough to go over chicken and have some in the bottom of the pan. Just needs to be placed in a medium/smaller size pan. A little deep for sauce.
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
  2. Pour sauce over chicken
  3. Bake until done (40-45 minutes) – I like mine crispy :)

That is it! See how simple? It is so good! I usually pair it up with a good salad and maybe some rolls or biscuits.

Let me know how you like it.

What’s your favorite chicken recipe?

Come visit me over at Aunt LaLa !