Fine Dining At Home: Tuscan Chicken

photo by Neeta Lind

Fine dining at home doesn't have to be expensive or a lot of work. A simple recipe can easily be turned into an elegant evening by adding pretty placements or a lace tablecloth. Light some candles and play some soft music and your dining room is now ready to serve it's guests. By spending a few moments beautifying yourself, your table, and your meal you will relax, savor the pleasure of your meal, and increase the enjoyment of your dining experience. Whether you are dining alone or with company spend the time to create a beautiful eating experience.

Below is a variation on Tuscan Chicken that I created.

Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts (boneless skinless)
Garlic Cloves (aprx 1 bulb per chicken breast)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (aprx 1/4 cup per chicken breast)
Italian Seasoning
Celery Salt (optional)
Ground Mustard (optional)
Spinach
Red Bell Pepper


Pasta or Potatoes
Salad
French Bread

Slice the garlic cloves in half and place cut side up in a baking dish. (Garlic powder can be substituted and added with the other seasonings, but fresh garlic is better.) Score chicken and place on top of the garlic. Liberally pour olive oil over the chicken, be generous if you are going to serve your chicken over pasta. (The excess will become your pasta sauce.) Lightly cover the chicken with your seasonings: Italian seasoning, Celery Salt, and Ground Mustard or your favorite poultry seasoning. Celery Salt and Ground Mustard are optional, but will add a rich flavor when added. Next cover the chicken with generous portions of spinach, and garnish with red bell pepper circular slices. Cover and cook.

This dish may be prepared up to 24-hours prior to baking. Keep covered and refrigerated until ready to place in the oven. Bake at 400 degrees for one hour. The chicken should be soft and tender. This dish may be cooked up to an hour longer, check at 20-minute intervals for tenderness.

Prepare your pasta as directed on the package. Put the cooked pasta in a serving dish or on individual platters. Artistically place the chicken breasts on top of the pasta and drizzle the excess seasoned olive oil sauce over the chicken-pasta combination. Serve with a salad and French bread and your favorite beverage.


For a variation serve the Tucson chicken next to a side of potatoes instead of over pasta.

Enjoy!!