When its time to get dinner on the table for my own family I want
a flavorful meal that also is appealing to the eye.
Lets face it, we all eat with your eyes first.
If something doesn't look appealing do you eat or try it?
(why many kids won't try something new but that's for another conversation.)
Tonight's meal is chicken roll ups (recipe below)
with steamed broccoli and a side salad.
I have a lot of fresh basil today so I wanted to incorporate that into the meal.
I tore up some delicate leaves for the salad
Salad
4-5 people
-butter lettuce (bag already pre-washed)
-cherry tomatoes about 20 (prefer to cut mine in half)
-pistachios for crunch (handful)
- 10 basil leaves torn tossed in salad
optional ...
and right before I serve I will add some
Bocconcini balls to the bowl ( are small mozzarella cheese balls )
Toss with favorite vinaigrette
Easy chicken roll ups
4-5 people
preheat oven 350
will need a glass or ceramic pan for baking
-5 chicken thighs (bone removed)
-half jar favorite marinara sauce (low to no sugar/reduced sodium) May need more for bigger thighs
-fresh basil leaves -10 or so depends on size
-garlic cloves peeled- 5
-pepper
-garlic powder
Directions
-place pan on flat surface in front of you, open the chicken package and remove all
thighs into pan , opening them up to reveal the center.
- wash hands
-sprinkle with some garlic powder (we like lots of garlic but you decide)
- add some pepper to each piece
- add a tablespoon or so of the marinara sauce (will depend on how big the thigh is)
-place a basil leave or two on top
- add garlic clove
- roll each piece as best you can
- wash hands
- place another table spoon of marinara sauce on top
- sprinkle more garlic powder if desired
- add basil leaf (this leaf will crisp up)
Put into 350 degree oven for about 25 to 40 minutes
(will depend on size of thighs and oven
temperatures accuracy )
Enjoy a tasty and simple family meal.
Good ingredients = lots of flavor
Cheers
Chef Lynn