Whole wheat panko crusted chicken with taters

I think one of the bigger misconceptions about healthy eating is the thought that it's too time consuming to make a proper meal.  That just really isn't the case.  Plus, I feel it is VITAL to make a healthy dinner every night... especially if you have a family.  There are a few staples that should be in your freezer/cabinets that will get you through any week.  

Last week, I posted this meal on my instagram and got enough likes that it deserved a quick little post. I know organic chicken is more expensive, but, in this country it's really important to eat organic chicken.  The regulations on how chickens are raised are extremely poor.   This is your body, it is the one thing in your WHOLE LIFE that you have 100% control over.  That is a gift, spend a few bucks more.

Here, I had mini red potatoes in my fridge (sweet potatoes are also great this way). Cut them up into tiny little quarters, season with a little bit of extra virgin o/o, salt, & pepper. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake (turn halfway through) for about at 400 degress for 25 minutes or until golden and soft in the middle.

I love panko! A couple of weeks ago I bought this whole wheat bag, honestly, it's really not as flavorful as white panko, but, it is healthier.  I've been playing with it to see if I can get better flavor out of it. It's all about the herbs, baby. 

 Here, take your chicken and coat it in egg (organic, please) and then season the panko with herbs de provence, garlic powder, pinch of salt, & crushed red pepper.  Coat the chicken in the panko.  Put on a parchment lined baking sheet and cook for 12 minutes at 400 degrees (just throw it on the same baking sheet as the potatoes).

Toss together some mixed greens, avocado, a tsp of goat cheese, with lemon juice and a splash of extra virgin o/o and dinner is served.  And, it only took a half hour. :)

Let me know if you want to see any modifications. Have a GREAT week!

xo

Steel & Rye

I am very close to my cousins.  As kids, we grew up just a few towns over from each other and spent every Friday night playing 4 versions of tag, making couch forts, and of course, 'house".  It worked out perfectly for our parents who got to enjoy some 'adult time' around what they called 'the evil table'... playing cards, ordering takeout, and having a couple brews.

As we've grown up, we've stayed just as close.  It's been WEEKS since we last had a 'cousin dinner' and therefore obviously had a lot of catching up to do.  All three of us have very exciting things happening in our lives so we basically didn't shut up for about three hours.

We went to a newer restaurant, Steel & Rye , in Lower Mills, Milton, MA.  It was delicious.

As I walked up... Just from the styling on the exterior... I knew I was in for a good meal (plus they have complimentary valet). Love that.

Love the rustic table and soft lighting. The ambiance was perfection. (look at that butter.....)

Very surprisingly, Jenn had never tried oysters.  Funny, because she has a pretty diverse palate and Kerri and I are basically obsessed. She knew she would like them so we went ahead and ordered a bunch. She loved them.

Kerri was a vegetarian for 5 years... This is what she ordered. Ribeye for the has-been veg. So funny. In her words "treat yoself!" (oh, and it was ridiculous... so good)

I had a hard time making up my mind so I got two appetizers for my meal (typical).  Lamb meatballs and flank steak salad. Both were seasoned perfectly.

Jenn got the salmon... her plate was clean (also typical) so I'm pretty sure she loved it.

Finally, we got dessert.  Jenn and I split the affogato and it was phenomenal. Kerri got some pear sorbet thing which honestly was not very good.  Stick with the chocolate and thank me later.  And, well, we gobbled it down so quickly I forgot to take a picture.  Whoops! (but I love this little menu)

Have a relaxing Sunday! xo.

Friday Sunshine...

So I had such a positive reaction to last Friday's "In stormy weather..." post that I want to make it a Friday trend. Have a sunny weekend :)

If this song doesn't get you ready for the weekend, I'm not sure we'll get along. Turn up the volume.

You never know what today will bring...

5 days until Spring!... Bring health into your home with a garden this year. You only need a few feet of space. (Left: my garden at my apartment last summer; Right: inspiration for this year's garden at my new condo)

Then, you can eat a caprese every day... YUM.

And finally, it's Friday... so put your party dress on and have some fun. (And boys, just enjoy the party dress.)

xo.