I was cleaning out my fridge a couple of weekends ago and as I plunged my hand into a slimy mass of over aged cucumbers I made a decision. I need to menu plan! I can no longer head to the market and buy whatever produce catches my eye. It's going to be shopping boot camp from now on, focus, focus, focus. My spontaneous shopping days are over and with some will power hopefully so are my refrigerator composting experiments.
And I'm happy to report that although this recipe was not on the PLAN, it did use up ingredients in the fridge. But of course, I didn't have the orzo, there was no goat cheese hanging around, cream was a scarce commodity and there were no Shitakes anywhere either! In any case this dinner was welcome at my table even with all the switcher-oos.
Boil a generous portion of Anchellini pasta to not-quite-limpness, otherwise known as al-dente and reserve a small portion (1/4 cup) of the cooking water.
Take 1 chicken breast - flatten it like a pancake with a rubber mallet from Home Depot, or Rona if you'd prefer. Remember to cover the chicken between sheets of wax paper - or you'll be scrapping chicken flesh off of - well pretty much everything. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and thyme and then dust with flour and fry in a sizzling hot pan with olive oil. When the chicken is done put it on a plate, add another splash of olive oil to the pan and in goes 1 chopped red pepper and a heaping cup of sliced button mushrooms. Saute until lightly browned and then add 2 cloves of chopped garlic.
Add a splash of chicken stock and then turn the heat to low. Mix in 1/4 cup of creme fraiche and a 1/4 cup of grated sharp cheese. Season with salt and pepper, a sprinkle of thyme and fresh chopped parsley. Add the pasta, chopped chicken and reserved cooking water to the mix and stir until mixed and heated through.
And there you have it. One red pepper and a bag of mushrooms on the road to greatness and not sliminess. Liz 1 - Fridge 0.
Hey Liz, this sounds delicious. Just thought I'd throw in a comment. It's been a while since I've seen your blog updated! Nice to have you back!
Posted by: Vladimir Levin | March 01, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Hey Vladimir! Great to hear from you. What's up with your site? I miss your reviews. Now you have me relying on John Gilchrist! :)
Posted by: Liz | June 16, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Hi Liz, yes I've been on a bit of a hiatus! However I am going to try to get back into the swing of things. I've moved back to Calgary and I'm going to start revewing again! Gilchrist.... Grrrrrr :D
Posted by: Vladimir Levin | July 31, 2009 at 08:33 AM
i am glad Vladimir is back!!!
Posted by: sh | January 03, 2010 at 07:15 AM