What’s for dinner?

Here is one of family favorites recipes that I made the other night for dinner.

Chicken Parmesan, homemade marinara, Pasta and Caesar salad. The cost to prepare this entire meal cost around $25. Yes, you heard me $25 dollars to feed 4 people. It’s homemade, organic and delicious.  Vegetarian? Just replace Chicken breast with Eggplant. I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does.

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 organic chicken breast – Tip slice 1 chicken breast length wise to make 2 servings
  
• 1/2  cup organic flour ( I use Safeway’s Organics brand but any brand will do)
• 3/4 cup of bread crumbs – Tip slice leftover bread in cubes and toast in the oven at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes then grind in the blender – I used leftover hamburger and hot dog buns. See picture below
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan – Tip  buy the block and grate it yourself it is cheaper and taste better than shredded
• 1 – 2 tbsp of Italian seasoning
• kosher salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 2 organic eggs scrambled
• 1 cup of marinara (see recipe below) 
• 4 to 6 slices of mozzarella cheese 
• 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil for frying

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375

Heat frying pan to medium heat and add 1 to 2 tbsp of Olive oil enough to coat the pan.

Mix flour, bread crumbs, seasoning, parmesan, 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper in bowl.  Lightly season chicken breast with salt and pepper.  Dip chicken breast in egg and then breadcrumb mixture.

Cook in frying pan 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown

Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken. Set aside to drain.

Place chicken breast on an oven proof dish top with 1/4 cup of marinara and sliced mozzarella cheese.

Cooked in the oven 20 to 25 min minute until cheese is melted and slightly brown.

Homemade Marinara & pasta

Ingredients

• 1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes 
• 2  garlic cloves chopped
• 2 tbsp of Italian seasonings
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp of sugar
• 1 tsp of crush red pepper
• 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Your choice of pasta prepared according to instructions on the box

Heat up pot to medium heat, add 1 to 2 tbsp of Olive oil to coat pan. Saute garlic for 30 seconds and reduce heat to low.  Add crush tomato and the remaining of ingredients.

Cover, stir occasionally and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer you let it simmer the better the flavor with be.

Caesar Salad

Ingredients

• chopped organic romaine lettuce
• 1/4 Caesar dressing see recipe below
  
• 1/4 cup of grated parmesan
• croutons – Tip Follow bread crumb recipe above before toasting in oven toss with 1 to 2 tbsp of Olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. 

Toss all ingredients together.

Caesar Dressing courtesy of Food.com by Miss A.T.K

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese ( grated)
• 4 anchovy fillets
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt ( to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper ( to taste)
• 1 lemons, juice and zest of
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ( good quality)
• 2 garlic cloves

Instructions

1. In blender, mix egg yolks, garlic and anchovies into a paste.
2. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT olive oil. Mix a few seconds.
3. Slowly add olive oil until dressing is thick and creamy. Add more or less olive oil depending on desired consistency