Monday 24 March 2014

Creamy Pesto Chicken


I finally used pesto for the for the very first time!!!!!!!  Wow, I certainly didn't realize what I was missing...this stuff is awesome..  I used it in a Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken recipe that I found on the Kraft-What's Cooking website.  Click here for the recipe.

This recipe was so easy.  The chicken breast were quite large so I split then lengthwise to ensure even thorough cooking.  I then heated a little oil in a large skillet and fried the chicken  for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until golden........



After all the chicken was cooked, I placed it in a casserole dish and set aside  I doubled the recipe for the sauce because there were eight nice big pieces of chicken and the recipe was for only four pieces.


I poured the chicken broth into the pan used to fry the chicken and brought it to a slow simmer---cut the cream cheese into small pieces--then added cheese & pesto to the simmering broth, stirring until smooth and creamy.......  



Pour the sauce over the chicken in casserole and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.


I served the chicken with oven roasted potato chunks and a side of steamed broccoli & matchstick carrots...


A simple, but delicious meal. 
Stay tuned for more pesto ideas!!
Cheers
:)

Sunday 23 March 2014

Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi

Well, I had a great treat last Wednesday evening.....my niece, Tonya, and I went out to eat at Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi Village.


Quidi Vidi is a small neighborhood in St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador.  When you drive down to old St. John's and go to Quidi Vidi, it is like stepping back into another time.  It seems almost untouched by today's world.  It is magical and beautiful, and I so envy anyone who lives there!!

We arrived without a reservation, but because it was quite early in the evening we were lucky enough to get seated at the fabulous rustic bar to eat.  I don't know if I would ever want to sit anywhere else!  We had a front row seat of the entire kitchen and the staff buzzing around as busy as bees.



As soon as we were settled , the bar attendant, Maggie, poured us icy water that is treated by a reverse-osmosis process right on site, and chatted with us as if we were old friends.  Once we decided on our menu choice, we took the opportunity to "size up" our surroundings.  The place is nothing short of phenomenal!  The cottage could be used as a set for a medieval storyline movie.  I could just imagine Robin Hood and his merry men sitting in an alcove, enjoying the rich hearty food listed on the menu....like Lamb Pot Pie, Newfoundland Cod or Seared Rabbit Loin with a local Vegetable Hash.

Only moments after we ordered, our drinks arrived, and then a special surprise...an amuse-bouche.  It was a delightful appetizer of crab and shrimp combination with a light yogurt sauce, compliments of our chef, Jake!! 



The atmosphere at Mallard Cottage feels like coming home.  All the staff were very accommodating and friendly-they all smile at you and make you feel like they are truly happy to see you. 

Jake was the chef who prepared our mouth-watering feast of fresh Pappardelle, smoked pork hock & bacon, in hock and bacon cream. 


 .......Need I say another word, it was outstanding.  The flavors were distinct, yet very subtle and the creamy sauce was light and delicious.  Jake was absolutely charming and he actually took the time to come over and chat with us.  He asked if we were enjoying our meals and he even discussed the method of preparation---what a breath of fresh air he was!!!

After we enjoyed our meal, we sipped great coffee and soaked up the atmosphere some more.  Every table was full, and the whole place was bustling with relaxed excitement.  We were too full to order dessert, so we didn't even look at the dessert menu.  Even though we were seated at the bar, we were not rushed at all.  We asked for the bill and it came to us in the most charming way.........
......the bill was actually attached to a piece of wood with a nail.  There was a sample of the Petite Forte Fig Bars, baked by the in-house baker that very day.  The fig bars were delicious, and it was just the right amount of a "little something sweet" to enjoy with the last drops of our coffee. A quaint, but delicious end to a fabulous meal. 

Here is a shot of the scene that awaits you as you leave the cottage......breathtaking indeed.

We enjoyed our meal and the service so much.  We will be going back,with a crowd.....and a reservation!!!

Cheers
:)


Monday 17 March 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

 


 







Cheers everyone!!   
I should be back on track with my blog posts in another couple of weeks.....see you then!!!