Robyn's Recipes

Meal of the Week

For DanV.,
"You become more special to
me every day.  I consider it
an honor and a privilege to
be your friend."---Robyn.

This weekend is set for
romance....
Set your mood by dimming
the lights, set many candles
aflame throughout the room,
 and play your favorite
background music...

Prepare this light meal as
a most romantic beginning to
your evening.....

Entree

(very quick and easy to prepare!)

Pan-Fried Chicken Strips

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds chicken breasts, skinned, boned and
cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder OR 2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 green onions, chopped, OR 1/2 cup chopped
onion (white or yellow)
4 tablespoons Marsala wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a large frying pan on stove.  Add the oil,
chicken strips, garlic and green onions.  Sauté over
high heat until the chicken is lightly browned
and tender.  Remove from the pan.
Add the Marsala wine and lemon juice,
and allow the liquid to reduce for a moment or
two.  Return the chicken to the hot pan and
add salt and pepper.  Do not overcook!
Serve immediately.

Makes about 4 large servings, but can easily
be halved for two people.

Side Dish

This should be made in a silverstone non-stick
 fry pan that has a metal handle, since you'll
 need to place the entire pan under the broiler
for a few minutes.

Frittata

1medium sized zucchini
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon fresh-grated lemon peel
6 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Peanut Oil (**See note below)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons fresh-grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Slice the zucchini about 1/4 inch thick and blanch
for 5 minutes in boiling water.  Drain.

Mix the bread crumbs, milk and lemon peel
together.  Blend in with the zucchini.

Whip the eggs, and add the water.  Whip again.
Pour into hot pan greased with butter and peanut oil.
When eggs begin to set, top with the zucchini mixture.
Add salt and pepper.  Add the cheese, and place under
a hot broiler until the top browns and is set.

Slice as you would slice a pie, and serve with main
dish and a green salad.

(**Note - Using peanut oil and butter together as a blend
will prevent the butter from burning and will give your
eggs a great flavor and color.  When making omelets
or frittatas, it's better to use water than milk,
as milk makes your omelet watery because it
will not blend with the eggs.  Water blends and
helps keep the omelet high and fluffy.)

Serves 3-4 people.

Beverage Suggestion:  Black Tower Wine

Dessert

Bananas Flambé

2 bananas, ripe but not soft
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons dark rum, or to taste

Take 2 ripe, but not soft bananas and cut in half, then split lengthwise. Melt a few tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2-3 teaspoons brown sugar and stir. Add bananas. Cook until fairly warm and starting to soften (about 1 min.). Flip bananas and allow to cook an additional 30 seconds. Add rum (light or dark; dark has more flavor) to taste, and swirl in pan a bit. Allow to thicken slightly, remove from heat and serve.

Makes 2 servings.