Pan Glazed Chicken with Basil & Chocolate Walnut Cranberry Cake
Posted on 11 March 2010
I am getting back into the swing of things after being gone for three weeks. Yesterday was filled with unpacking, laundry and figuring out what was left in the pantry, refrigerator and freezer. I thought I was going to resume my exercise routine today but I have come down with a terrible cough and have lost my voice so exercise will have to be put on hold for at least another day in order to avoid a coughing attack! The sun is shining here and I am looking forward to hitting my walking trail again.
I didn’t make it to the grocery store yesterday so I had to make dinner from what was on hand. My kitchen is always stocked with the ingredients to make creamy parmesan orzo as it is one of my quick and easy side dishes that goes well with many entrees. I thawed out some boneless skinless chicken breasts and then looked for something quick and easy to make. Pan glazed chicken with basil is a simple recipe I have made before. It has big flavor from balsamic vinegar and basil and can be on the table in less than 20 minutes! My package of chicken contained 5 chicken breasts instead of 4 the recipe called for but it worked out fine. The refrigerator was void of any fresh green veggies, not even lettuce was to be found so I had to open a can of green beans to give our plates a little color. After dinner we did go to Costco and got stocked up on fresh produce and meat again.
The Creamy Parmesan Orzo is a pleasant combination of toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese and basil. It will become one of your favorite quick and easy side dishes that the whole family will enjoy.
Pan Glazed Chicken with Basil
4 4-oz Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
2 tsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Honey
2 tsp Dried basil
Preparation
Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt & pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on first side, then turn chicken and cook for 6 minutes or until chicken is cooked completely. How long it takes will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast. When chicken is completely cooked, stir in vinegar, honey and basil, cook for 1 minute and then promptly remove from heat. WWPs 4
Recipe adpated from a recipe from the WW message board
When a recipe like the one above calls for seasoning the protein source with salt and pepper I will usually substitute Cavender’s Greek Seasoning.
The last night I was in NE I made my crock pot Beef Stroganoff for my extended family and they loved it. It is another easy recipe that has big results. To finish off the meal I made this incredible dark chocolate cake that combines toasted walnuts and sweet dried cranberries. The result is a moist cake, not too heavy, rich with dark chocolate flavor. Dutch process cocoa is a must since this recipe is relying on the mild cocoa as it’s main flavor source.
Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/cocoa.html#ixzz0htAUz0y9
Chocolate-Walnut-Cranberry Cake
Make-ahead tip: Bake and completely cool the cake. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to two days, or wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Bring to room temperature before serving.
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350º.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine applesauce, milk, and oil; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Spread into a 10-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray (batter will be thick).
Bake at 350º for 45 minutes or until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 slice)
CALORIES 295 (27% from fat); FAT 9g (sat 1.1g,mono 3.4g,poly 3.9g); IRON 2.2mg; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 48mg; CARBOHYDRATE 53.7g; SODIUM 214mg; PROTEIN 3.9g; FIBER 3.4g WWPs 6
Adapted from Cooking Light, MARCH 2005
17 responses to Pan Glazed Chicken with Basil & Chocolate Walnut Cranberry Cake
Another WOW for you Tami!! Your chicken dish looks delicious! I do use the Cavender’s Greek Seasoning….it’s great!
And the cake….it is for sure going to be in my “to make” folder!
Your photography is excellent Tami….thanks again for sharing all your creations and your stories,I truly enjoy them all!
Thanks for the kind words Carol. I am having so much fun with the camera and learning how to take food photos.
I love any recipe that includes basil. The chicken looks delicious.
I always forget how pretty just a sprinkling of powdered sugar looks on a cake. It saves a few calories too!
I am a basil fan too! I don’t care too much for frosting so a dusting of powder sugar always works for me.
You food looks delicious as always…
Thanks for all your sweet comments on my blog, I really appreciate it
Lisa thank you for the nice compliment. I love reading your blog!
I will get Orzo on my next food haul. Everything looks so great..
Hope you give it a try, it is a family favorite around here.
Can I come for dinner? lol I need to make some chicken soon, even if I’m the only one who will eat it. lol
TJ you really could come for dinner, you don’t live too far away!
Does your sweetie not eat chicken?
That looks so delicious. I just bought a basil plant a month ago. I’ve been looking for recipes that will let me use just the right amount. I’m excited to use my little indoor garden for something so tasty.
You were so creative coming up with a beautiful tasty dinner on an empty pantry. And healthy too! I think you’re my new hero.
I love fresh basil and I usually buy it at the Farmer’s Market. I should get my own plant too.
I am honored to be your “hero!”
Thanks for stopping by and your kind words
Your meals look AMAZING—I can’t wait to read and see more!
Tiffany thank you for posting on my blog.
I hopeyou will visit often.
Tami, everything looks delicious! You are back and busy! I am so tempted to make that cake!
Hi Marisa. Well you know as mom’s we are always busy! So much to do and so little time.
The cake is yummy so make sure you have plenty of “helpers” to eat it!
that chicken looks great, SO DOES THE ORZO! it is one of my favorite kinds of pasta
mmm