Saturday, March 26, 2011

Cooking by the Book(s) - March

For those who have followed my cooking challenge to myself this year (which is to cook at least one thing a month that I've never done before from one of my cookbooks), well -- I'm finally posting my March effort!

This Sunday's dinner included Chicken Dijon from the book "Bach for More." This was published decades ago as a fundraiser for the Cleveland Orchestra. It was a gift to either my mom or to me (probably mom) from her sister, Grace.

It's very easy -- make a mixture of 1/4 c. Dijon, 2 T. minced onion, 1/4 t. tarragon, 1/8 t. hot sauce and 1 T (of 5T melted butter). Dip four skinless chicken breasts into this and then into bread crumbs (I used panko crumbs; I think they're better). Put in a baking dish and bake at 375 for 45 minutes to one hour.

I accompanied it with rice and spinach/mushrooms/pearl onions (cook down the mushrooms and pearl onions, then add a package of baby spinach leaves, cover and allow to wilt down. Add parmesan cheese and slivered almonds to serve).

I don't think I seasoned the spinach as well as I did last week, but it was good. I gave the chicken a "B" -- that might be my fault; I didn't taste the dijon as well as I would have expected, and it could have used a little more seasoning.

Rick liked it, and said to have it again, so I guess that says something!

It's early in the month, so I'll probably try another later this month. March is a good month for cooking!

18 comments:

Mae Travels said...

How did we live before Panko?

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Well it sure looks beautiful on the plate! I like dijon sauces - makes me think of Paris. :)

That mushroom/pearl onion/spinach dish looks like something I would love.

Karen Owen said...

Yum! When I first saw the photo, I thought "Jeanie's cooking Southern!" It looked like fried chicken and greens. About the seasoning, don't you think we use more seasoning now than we did years ago? You said this was an old cookbook. I bet you'll adjust the dijon and seasonings to make it perfect next time.

Sally Wessely said...

Yummy. These all looked very good. Perhaps you were a bit too critical of your own cooking since Rick liked what you served. I tend to criticize my own cooking too much.

I will have to look for the dijon flavored pork chops I fixed. I thought they were quite tasty. My granddaughter loved them.

Dogwood said...

Looks good to me.
I do not enjoy cooking but love eating!
My Guy does most of the cooking and grocery shopping.
Lucky me!
Have a great weekend.
Dogwood

anno said...

Yum! It looks wonderful! And I'll echo Karen's comment: if the cookbook is older than the 80s, I bet you just need to adjust the seasonings a bit to get the results you want.

Vagabonde said...

Your dishes look appetizing. I have never heard of Panko – is that a regional brand?

Arti said...

Again, these are beautiful stuff. I'm particularly curious about the book... what a wonderful title. Would you share more from it? Also, thank you for your thoughtful and heartfelt comment on my review of Sherry Turkle's book Alone Together. You might be interested to read my reply. ;)

Joanne Huffman said...

It looks and sounds good to me.

Oh said...

You get an A++++ not only for doing the cooking and meeting your challenge BUT also for the photos -these are GREAT! adn now I'm hungry - and it's nearly midnight!

Marilyn Miller said...

What a fun challenge to yourself. Your recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing.

Ruth said...

Oh. Yes. This sounds yummy, and yes about panko. The side dish with mushrooms look heavenly. This is such a great challenge. I have way too many cookbooks that I don't open, or only for one recipe. Silly! That cookbook is very sweet, and that makes me like this post even more.

HerzBlatt said...

Hmmmm....it looks and I am sure tastes marvellous!! Did you listen to Bach music while you were enjoying it???
Best wishes from Germany
Iris

Deb said...

That looks great. I really like the side dish of veggies. Hugs, Deb=^..^x5

ForgedinPaper said...

Looks yum although I'm not a mustard person. Thumbs up though if Rick wants seconds lol.

Tamara said...

Now Im hungry... looks yummy. But more interestingly is who thought to make a cookbook based n Bach? I'm intrigued now as to what else is included in the book. I also cooked something a little different this weekend with much success - roast vegies with rosemary and grilled hamloumi. Low fat, gluten free and low carb. Yummy.

jet1960 said...

Looks yummy! So does the side dish of mushrooms, spinach and pearl onions. Congrats on keeping up with your challenge!

Becca said...

Yum! Thanks for a good recipe that I think even my husband would enjoy. We're always looking for good chicken recipes that are quick and easy - that's my cooking style!

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