Week 26

Week 26   Sunday, February 7, 2010 

6  Month Celebration

Courdon Blue, Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

This was our half way week. We decided to revisit our favorite Dinner and Dessert from the last 6 months. We let the kids choose-- which really means Isabel picked and Laney and Jordan agreed with her. They did legitimately like those, but I don't even think Jordan remembered the Courdon Blue. It was a good one however, and definitely one of my top three choices.  We made the dessert in the morning since we would get back late from church and JJ had to catch a flight to Anaheim for a work trade show. The kids were so jealous, knowing he would be back next to Disneyland.

He's become quite steady at measuring

Anatomy of a Taste Check...

1

2

3

After Cooking they worked on Valentines, while it baked in the oven.

The Finishing Touches

Isabel was my only helper for dinner. And even she bailed once the pounding was over. The others were too busy enjoying playing with their dad before he left for his trip.  We'll let it slide for a good cause.

I am posting the Recipes for these since I didn't have them on the site the first time we made them.

Chicken Courdon Blue

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

6 slices provolone cheese

6 slice proscuito

3 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. paprika

6 tbsp. Butter

1/2 white wine

1 tsp. chicken bouillon granules

1 tbsp. corn starch

1 cup heavy whipping cream (we use half and half or even milk works)

Directions:

Chicken flat between syran wrap until flat. Place cheese and ham slice on each breast within 1/2 inch. of edges. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks. Mix the flour and paprika in a small bowl and coat chicken.

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken until browned on all sides. Add the wine and bouillon. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 min. until chicken is no longer pink and juiced run clear.

Remove tooth picks and transfer to platter. Blend the cornstarch with the cream in a small bowl and wisk into skillet juices. Cook stirring until thickened and pour over chicken. Serve warm.

Review:

This is a family favorite now.  I am not a big fan of large chunks of meat which is why I put off trying Courdon Blue for years, but I love this recipe! The kids gobble it up too! This one gets 2 thumbs way up, which is why we decided to repeat it!

Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

1 pkg. yellow cake mix

1- 3.9oz. pkg. instant chocolate pudding

1/2 cup white sugar

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/8 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

greae and flour bundt pan

mix ingrediants together. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into pan and bake for 50-60 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 min before inverting onto serving dish. Dust with powdered sugar.

Review

Although I am not a huge fan of cake and especially a frostingless one, this is surprisingly moist and tastey for an easy recipe. I think it's a keeper and the kids love it!

Here are the kid's top choices so far...

Elayna
Dinner
1.Courdon Bleu
2.Chicken Tetrazzini
3.Pesto Calzone

Desserts
1.Chocolate Pound Cake
2.Lemon Bread
3.Chocolate Popcorn



Isabel
Dinner
1.Courdon Bleu
2.Pesto Calzone
3.Pirate Stew

Dessert:
1.Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
2.Lemon Bread
3.Mint Chocolate Mousse Dessert

Jordan
Dinner
1.Courdon Bleu
2.Pesto Calzone
3.Chicken Tetrazzini

Dessert
1.Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
2.Carmel Apple Cheesecake

My Favorites Are....

Not in any particular order,

Dinner:

Courdon Blue

Chicken Lasagne

Pesto Calzone

Dessert:

Carmel Apple Cheesecake

Chocolate Mousse Dessert

Chocolate Cheesecake

As far as JJ goes. I couldn't pin him down, but looking back on his responses the food I  think he liked the Courdon Bleu, Pesto Calzone, and Moussaka for dinner.

JJ isn't much of a dessert person but he did eat and enjoy...

Carmel Apple Cheesecake

Chocolate Cheesecake

Mint Chocolate Mousse Dessert

We look forward to more choices for the end of the year top picks!