We watched Star Trek: Into the Darkness, when we were in Chicago last weekend. As the Starship Enterprise is careening towards earth, someone yells out, "we're going to incinerate upon re-entry."
That's a good description of my week and my feelings about my week. Missing my kids enough while I was gone. Enough to look forward to seeing them when we got back. But then trying to enter normal, everyday life-cooking, cleaning, blogging, etc., while juggling super tired kids, fighting an allergy or cold, and out of town family.
It has been kind of chaotic. I declared this week an unofficial vacation week. Between Monday off and the 4th of July, what other choice is there? I am not cleaning. I have done laundry-once. I have not done much cooking. Or exercising. I have done a lot of sleeping and eating and reading.
Back in the saddle tomorrow. Or Monday. After all, what is summer vacation all about, if not for relaxing?
I weeded my bean and tomato gardens this week. It had approached critical mass. Now the plants can continue to grow, without fighting the jungle of weeds for sunshine and water.
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| neat and tidy-for right now. I have a scriptural conviction against weeding my garden more than twice a year. |
My lilies also bloomed into their own over the past 7-10 days. My lilies make me smile. So much beauty for so little effort.
Oh, and Meres is back on the potty train. We have successes and not-successes, but we are in it for the long haul this time. Bribe of the week? Gummy bears.
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| tank top and panties...great potty training garb |
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| new dress...just give me the camera. |
Perfect summer recipes are all about quick and easy without sacrificing taste. Today I am sharing the recipe for a one pot, 30 minutes or less, 6 ingredient pan of deliciousness.
Cherry Tomato Chicken melds the summery flavors of cherry tomatoes and tarragon for a very fresh and vibrant look and taste. It is colorful, which tends to indicate healthiness. At least it does in my book. The more colorful it is, the better the dish is for you.
I like to pair this with rice or couscous, corn, and a crispy french baguette.
Cherry Tomato Chicken
1-1/2 pounds small chicken cutlets
salt and pepper
2 T olive oil
1-1/2 pints cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup dry white wine
4 shallots, sliced
2 T fresh tarragon, chopped
Season the chicken cutlets with 1/2 teaspoon of both salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Working in two batches, cook the chicken until brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side; transfer to serving dish.
Add tomatoes to the skillet and cook over med-high heat, stirring occasionally until they begin to burst-about 2-3 minutes.
Add the wine and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the shallots and tarragon. Serve over chicken.
Are you beginning to harvest any vegetables from your garden? How are you eating them?
