Tuscan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Taking a brief sojourn south into Italy, this was a super healthy and super yummy dish from Ellie Krieger. She is fast becoming my favorite food personality (haha) on FoodTV. Her food is healthy, smart, simple to prepare, but fabulous to eat.



What I liked about this one was the bone-in Chicken Breast. At my favorite grocer, Central Market, they easily had these with skin on; I ended up taking it off since the recipe didn't call for skin and I hadn't ever skinned a chicken breast. It's actually quite simple; I wonder if overall it's cheaper to buy chicken this way?



Certainly more flavorful, you get more bits and pieces that hide in between the bone, and I think the heat of the bone helps cook it and keep it moist.

Anyhow, try this recipe out.

We also made Quinoa for the first time (we say it "Keen-wah" but I'm not sure the proper pronunciation) which was fantastic; our dear friend Julie made Quinoa Pilaf at our last Mira Monte monthly supper and was kind to give us the recipe. I don't know if it's a family secret recipe, so comment if you want me to send it to you.



If you haven't had Quinoa before, it's a South American grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. You soak it for about 8 hours before cooking, but it's tasty - especially with a dash of Tamari (high-end soy sauce).

Speaking of Italian, we had a great dinner last night at Siena. Our friend Steph is the GM there and Kris' hubby was in town. Great meal, fantastic wine, fun friends. We frankly hadn't eaten out all week for dinner. I strangely went to lunch twice this week -- but more for keeping myself sane in my new job and on target. But for dinner, everything was home-cooked! Ahhh fresh is fun!!

BTW, the Euro 2008 starts in a few minutes. Deutschland doesn't play until tomorrow, but I'm going to DVR it. Switzerland and the Czech Republic plays in a few minutes.

We're also going to Lockhart tomorrow with Melissa and Spencer - a little roadtrip southwest of here to the BBQ Capital of Texas! I'm looking forward to some good grub and cold beer. Mmm...

Tschüß!!