Tuesday, September 15, 2009

TGI Friday's Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:
* 4 (4 ounce) chicken breasts
* salt and black pepper (to taste)
* 1 lb angel hair pasta
* 6-8 medium size roma tomatoes
* 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 minced garlic cloves
* 10tsp dried basil leaves or 10tbsp fresh basil leaves
* 2 garlic cloves, sliced into thin coins
* 1/2 cup tomato sauce
* 1 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Directions:
1. Chicken Breasts: Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Grill 3-4 minutes per side for grill marks or until the chicken breasts reach 165 degrees F. Grill right before serving.

2. Pasta: Boil pasta as per directions on box until al dente.Drain and transfer to bowl.

3. Tomato Salad (Step 1): Wash, core and dice tomatoes to 1/4" pieces, save juices and place in small bowl. Wash, dry and cut basil leaves into thin strips. Combine tomatoes, basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic and hold for 2 hours before use.

4. Tomato Salad (Step 2): Heat heavy bottom saucepan under medium-low flame. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, heat oil for 20 seconds. Saute cloves of garlic, that are sliced into thin coins, in oil (if small use 3) for 45 seconds on each side until soft and tender - do not brown garlic (if brown DISCARD and start over). Increase heat and add tomato salad and stir.

5. Tomato Salad (Step 3): Add plain tomato sauce to pan and bring to a boil. Add pasta to sauce pan and toss with fresh sauce (sauce should just coat pasta). Transfer to a service platter or plate individually. Garnish with balsamic glaze.

6. Balsamic Glaze: Bring to a boil vinegar and sugar in small pan and turn down flame to a simmer Reduce by 75% until sauce turns to a thick syrup, hold at room temperature

7. To serve: Slice chicken breast into strips on a bias (45 degree angle) and place on top of pasta.Enjoy!


45 min | 15 min prep
SERVES 4

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Sausage Gravy

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (12 ounce) package maple flavored sausage
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk
* salt and pepper to taste


DIRECTIONS

Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown.
Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Stir in the butter until melted. Add flour, and stir until smooth.
Reduce heat to medium, and cook until light brown. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper, and stir in cooked sausage.
Reduce heat, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. If gravy becomes too thick, stir in a little more milk.