A Romantic Meal And Little Treats

I use the word “romantic” very lightly because on Valentines Day, all my loved ones were under the weather.  I made a lovely meal that I thought would have been nice for everybody but… no one was well enough to enjoy it. (Except me – it was flipping fabulous!) Thankfully my pain does not affect my taste buds. So here was my first attempt at Tarragon Chicken, Pan Seared Zucchini, Pan Seared Fennel, and Carrots in Butter and Brown Sugar [with a side of Basmati Rice for the husband]. Dessert was supposed to be on the same night but happened a few days later ~ Lemon Madeleines, a french dessert (petite cakes). This was my first try at everything and it was great, but I’m going to do it all over again with some minor adjustments. Stay tuned 🙂

I never had Tarragon anything before. It’s an herb and the leaves have a licorice scent. The flavour of the chicken was awesome – like nothing I had prepared in the past. This will definitely be on the menu for a dinner gathering at my home in the future. Zucchini wasn’t really a favourite of mine. But when I made it myself? Perfection! I liked Fennel but this was the first time I had it cooked. I like the crisp licorice taste. Its milder once cooked but still tasty. Another veggie victory! Now that I think about it… the rice looked like it didn’t belong on this menu.

 

Tarragon Chicken, Pan Seared Zucchini and Fennel, Carrots, Basmati Rice

 

The white wine was actually used in the chicken recipe to make the sauce. I felt quite sophisticated cooking with a glass of wine in hand! A nice French wine to go with the French themed meal. Terrific!

 

French Cross Dry White Wine

 

I need to check to see if these are still called Madeleines if I used a square-shaped muffin tin. Ah well! I used what I had and they were very nice. They are supposed to be served with a fruit so I will do that next time.

Lemon Madeleines

 

And these little mini cupcakes were for my little bundles of joy whom I love so much. I wanted to cheer them up since they were under the weather and decided to spend time with them instead of being in the kitchen. I won’t think about the ingredients. I know I make everything much healthier. But it’s just this one time.

 

Chocolate Valentine Mini Cupcake

Take good care of you.

Ciao

Holiday Splendor

Firstly, I’d like to extend seasons greetings to all my readers. This is a wonderful time of year to spend with family and friends, and also to reflect on the past year as the year comes to a close. I hope your Christmas was a blessed one and best wishes for the new year.

As for my holiday weight… holding FIRM at 139lbs. I still have so much work to do. But I am at peace taking my time 🙂

Christmas for me this year, gave me a warm tingly feeling inside. So many Christmases past, I’ve been by myself as my husband had to be at work. I too have had to work on Christmas Day years gone by – but no more. Thankfully, my family was together for most of the Christmas season and for that, I feel truly blessed and grateful.

This year, I was able to pull off our very first family Christmas dinner! Yes, the first! – where all family members were around the dining table 🙂 My daughter was in her high chair but still by the table where she could see everyone. I tried my hand at roasting a chicken and also tried a new recipe called Sweet Potatoes Anna With Prunes. It was very interesting and went down well. Rice was also on the menu (I didn’t have any though), and I made the gravy with the drippings from the roasting pan – simply delish. We really enjoyed the meal!

 

Christmas Roast Chicken & Veggies

Sweet Potatoes Anna With Prunes

Sweet Potatoes Anna With Prunes - Sweet Layers

More to come on my temporary employment “experiment” and food  and sleep woes! Have a terrific week everyone! xoxo