for rachel

We agreed to a little December challenge. Everyone is busy with holiday shopping and parties, end of year work stuff, getting engaged . . . so we decided that in December, we would attempt a few time-saving dishes. The rules are simple: five ingredients or less, prepared in thirty minutes or less. I am always up for a challenge (as is my compatriot) and since I love nothing more than spending several hours in the kitchen, 30-minute dishes (and please, no comparisons to Rachel Ray!) really are a challenge for me! So bring it on.

Here is an adaptation of Chicken Piccata, without the capers. Unfortunately there is not a veggie version of this. I served it with broccoli rabe sautéed in olive oil with lemon zest.

Lemon Chicken

2 boneless chicken cutlets
¼ c. flour, seasoned with salt and pepper

Juice of one lemon
½ c. white wine
1 tbsp butter

Dredge cutlets in seasoned flour.

Heat olive oil in pan over med high heat. Add cutlets, cooking until browned on both sides and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to platter or plate, tent with foil.

Deglaze pan with white wine and lemon juice, and bring to boil. Boil approx 2 minutes, until slightly reduced. Whisk in butter. Pour sauce over chicken, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve!

* while this would put the ingredient total over 5 items, you could also add sliced mushrooms to this dish. You know, if you happen to have them in the refrigerator.

- e