After about 18 days of eating restaurant food, I was happy to get back into my own kitchen and take charge of my meals. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have any food fails on my trip, and it was a pleasure not to have to do the the washing up. Still, I generally eat lighter dishes, smaller portions, and more fruits and vegetables at home than I did in Belgium.
As a consequence, I made mostly old standards this week, leaving the experimentation alone for the moment. As I was planning my dinners, I had a craving for what has become my favorite version of chicken Parmesan, from what has become one of my favorite cookbooks, The Dinner Plan by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion, which I wrote about last year (follow the link) and received from Abrams as part of last year's Abrams Dinner Party.
Before I get to the recipe, here are a few notes:
- Vegetarians, you can make this with eggplant instead of chicken.
- The sauce is awesome and plentiful -- we mop up the extra with homemade bread, though you could, of course, make pasta (as suggested in the recipe).
- I make this in a large cast-iron skillet, which is perfect for moving from stovetop to oven.
- This is truly a quick and delicious meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights
Even if you already have a go-to chicken Parm recipe, I hope you give this one a try. It's the only one I've made since I got my copy of The Dinner Plan from Abrams almost a year ago.
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Welcome back ! Sounds like you had a good trip. I like the idea of substituting eggplant in that simple yet delicious looking parmesan recipe Thanks for hosting. I look forward to it every Saturday
ReplyDeleteWhen I get home from a long trip I feel exactly the same as you do: a good thing to be back in the kitchen with familiar food. We were just on the road for a few days and last night, after a full day of driving, had tuna salad and baked potatoes -- same idea, no? (Except that we had to eat what had stayed in the house for a week.)
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I also like getting back to my own kitchen. I never get enough veg when eating out. Don't get me wrong, I love eating out and trying lots of things, but the portions are generally too big for me.
ReplyDeleteI just borrowed The Dinner Plan from the library!
I do have a favourite chicken parm recipe but will check this one out.
Love eggplant, but John hates it with a passion.
I know exactly what you mean about getting tired of restaurant food. This looks like a great standard recipe.
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe and I agree, it’s wonderful to travel and also great to get back to your own kitchen. I would make this both ways, with chicken and sometimes with eggplant.
ReplyDeleteI also agree about restaurant food, although the not-having-to-clean-up part is nice!
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather has broken for you and it's a little cooler! That chicken Parmesan looks amazing and I love the alternatives you have given.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you settling back into your own kitchen. ;-) I love how cheesy your parm looks and would definitely try it with the eggplant. Yum!
ReplyDeleteGood one, as I actually have an eggplant that needed some inspiration. Hope you've recovered from your vacation :)
ReplyDeleteI love chicken and I love eggplant. I'd have to make it both ways :)
ReplyDeleteBeing home in your own bed & kitchen is the reward for coming back! I hope it was really lovely.
ReplyDeleteI must check out this cookbook you love so much - I admit, I've been lazy about discovering new cookbooks lately!
Thanks for hosting. Next week I'm trying the thumbnail Mr Linky for the first time - I'll let you know how that works out. Cheers from carole's chatter
ReplyDeleteThis looks so yummy! I wish I liked cooking. I mostly like eating. Someone else can do all the hard work.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!