Upon returning from Food Blog Forum, I did some thinking about the blog. The phrase, "Find a need, fill a need." was tossed around a few times during the conference and it made me wonder if my recipes were filling YOUR needs as readers. As much as I write this blog for me, it's important to me to provide some useful stuff for you, too!
Since wondering only goes so far, I asked some of you on Facebook to tell me what kinds of recipes you're looking for when you sit down at the computer and browse your favorite blogs and sites. {Gah, I love social media.}You know... recipes that you won't just "pin and forget." Here's what you told me:
- Recipes with few/easy to find ingredients
- Quick recipes
- Family-friendly options
- Make ahead meals
- Healthy recipes
- Recipes that help you overcome your fears of multi-step/advanced cooking
You sound like my kind of people!
I admit that sometimes I get carried away with inspiration and creativity, and I might post things that are fun to look at but unrealistic to make on a typical day. Those kinds of recipes won't ever be eliminated from the blog because I'm sure there are at least a few of you out there who love those kooky projects as much as I do from time to time! {No? Just me? Oh, ok.}
But, as much as I want to live on cookie-crusted, ooey-gooey, boozy things... I know we need to throw some fruits, veggies and lean proteins in there, too. Ugh, darn the responsible, grown up side of my brain.
So... I'm putting on my thinking cap and coming up with some of the best easy, minimal ingredient recipes just for you. And for me, too, because -- I'm not gonna lie -- this was one tasty dish.
Just because you're short on time and don't have a ton of expensive ingredients doesn't mean you can't make something that tastes really good. This is proof.
Turn simple chicken breast into a gratifying {even fancy!} dish. Who woulda thunk strawberry jam and chicken would make such a lovely pair? Served with a salad or some sautéed veggies, this is a dinner you can make any night of the week.
I'm hoping you'll find that this recipe "fills a need"... and your belly! Thanks for interacting with me and letting me know what you're looking for, and for stopping by to check out what's going on in my kitchen -- you keep me on my toes. Stay tuned for more quick and easy recipes coming your way!
Strawberry Basil Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
About 7 or 8 basil leaves, cut into ribbons
{Optional} Goat cheese, for sprinkling
1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt on both sides and place in pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side or until a nice golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar and water in a small bowl. When chicken is just about finished cooking, pour mixture over the top, nestling the chicken breasts into the sauce and scraping up brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
4. Reduce heat and bring sauce to a simmer, letting it bubble for 3 or 4 minutes or until it has reduced and thickened a bit. Stir in most of the basil {you may want to save a little for garnish}.
Remove chicken breasts from pan. Pour sauce over the top of each piece. Sprinkle with a little goat cheese if desired and garnish with remaining basil.
