I'm Back!!!

So many things have happened since the last time we spoke.  Dennis and I were married on April 16th and then took a two week honeymoon to Ireland.  We had a wonderful time and met so many nice people and even some family on Dennis's side he had never seen.  Driving on the left side of the road was a challange as was shifting a five speed standard transmission with your left hand.  What a beautiful spot Ireland is. So green and mostly rural.  Many small towns and villages with castles and museums to wander through.  We had wonderful meals especially at Morans on the Weir where had a delicious salmon dinner compliments of Bob and Mary Ellen Cain who set everything up prior to us arriving.  What a great wedding present.  Thanks guys. We met Michael Moran the owner and promised him a copy of Everyone Brings Something to the Table which we mailed when we returned to the States.  Michael followed with one of his special aprons.  Cooking is a universal language and we all in our own way share its undeniable pleasure whether its eating or cooking.  Much more to come....

St. Patricks Day

Dennis and I tried out a new Irish pub, Ballymor, for a little St Pats day livation last night.  I had the Guiness Stew and Dennis had the traditional corn beef sandwich both were pretty good.  The place was packed and the Irish beer was flowing like water although I stuck to my traditional red wine.  They really do celebrate St Pats day in a grand fashion in Raleigh, even a parade on the Saturday before.  I hope you all enjoyed your own St. Patricks day.

Jeanie

Everyone Brings Something to the Table

Come join us at the Woman's  Club of Albany , 725 Madison Ave on Sat. March 26th from noon-4pm. to participate in the Spring Shopping Spree to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kristie Carpenter will have my book available and with each purchase I will be making a 20% donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you can't make it, just email me at jeaniedegroff@gmail.com and I will send you an autographed copy and will still donate 20% to a wonderful cause.

March Madness

There is nothing like a table full of delicious food when it come to watching March Madness Basketball.  Jeanie prepared Artichoke Chicken a last night and served it with a side dish of mixed pasta and cauliflower, what a great combination.Add a glass of red wine and it doesn't get any better than this.

Super Bowl Party at Margaret England's

 The Silver Connections Group is meeting at Margaret England's to watch the Super Bowl and enjoy the company of good friends, food and drink. 

Jeanie is bringing, Chili Cheddar Pinwheels, and Taco Soup,  two delicious recipes from her new cookbook, "Everyone Brings Something To The Table".

If you haven't a copy its available on Amazon.com or e-mail Jeanie at jeaniedegroff@gmail.com and she will send you an autographed copy. Enclose $25.00, shipping is included in this price.

Chicken Saltimbocca

4 chicken breasts

4 thin slices of prosciutto ham

1 tablespoon fresh sage

3 ounces olive oil

1 ounce flour

5 ounces artichoke hearts ( I like the small whole ones)

½ ounce capers

4 ounces white wine

2 ounces fresh lemon juice

2 ounces heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Lightly salt and pepper chicken breasts.  Sprinkle evenly with chopped fresh sage.  Place prosciutto on top the chicken and pound it into the

breast until the thickness of the chicken is 3/8”.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan.  Lightly flour chicken pressed with prosciutto.  Place in heated oil, prosciutto side down. Brown one side, turn, brown the other side. Drain off excess oil, and deglaze with the white wine.  Add artichokes, fresh lemon juice, cream and butter.

Cook until sauce is thickened. Add capers

On a large platter, place chicken breasts topped with reduced sauce and garnish with capers.

As with any dish amounts can vary. Add more artichokes if you like them and I always add more capers! Sometimes I add fresh sliced mushrooms too.