Settlement Reached in Taste Bud Strike

Tonight, on the way home from the gym it was already pretty dark out (5pm-ish). I glanced in the backseat and there is my sweet little lady singing along to the radio with her sun glasses on....upside down. The song was a country one (Keith Urban?) and the words were, "Everybody needs somebody to love" and I heard her sweet voice belting with great conviction, "Every bottom...." She makes me smile.





Tonight, in celebration of the return of my taste buds I made a yummy dinner. Caramelized chicken breasts, cheesy orzo and green beans. Brian rated it a nine.

Caramelized Chicken Breasts

1T Veg. oil

1 onion, slice

• 1 garlic clove, crushed (in a wave of love for my husband I omitted this ingredient)
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1.5T malt vinegar
• 1/5T ketchup
• 1.5 T soy sauce
• 2T water
• 1.5 T honey

1. Heat oil in an ovenproof pan (or be prepared to transfer it like I did), add the onion and garlic, and saute until soft. Season the chicken, add to the pan, and saute until sealed and golden. Cover, transfer to the preheated oven, and cook for 20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Set the chicken aside and place the pan over high heat. Add the vinegar, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 minute, or until reduced by half.
3. Stir in the ketchup, soy sauce, and water and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the honey and cook for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the sauce and heat through.

Cheesy Orzo

• 2T extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped (I usually leave this but left it out tonight...Brian really does hate garlic)
• 2 cans (14 oz each) chicken stock
• 2c orzo pasta
• 1/2 shredded Parmesan cheese
• salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. This is key I love the black pepper!

1. Preheat an 8" pot with a tight-fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute, 2-3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender. Stir in cheese, season with s & p.