One post, two recipes…   It’s the holiday spirit! 😉

A few years ago I began using the 7-6-5 method to cook pork tenderloin, with all varieties of rubs, glazes, and marinades.  It’s a nice approach because once you memorize those numbers, you’ll have no need for the recipe, and you’ll always have perfectly cooked pork tenderloin.

Shortly thereafter it occurred to me that chicken breasts are so similar  in fat content and overall texture, so why not  “7-6-5 them?”  Well, I’m happy to report that the idea was a success.   Several times I’ve grilled chicken breasts  with this technique, and it leaves meat tender, moist, and perfectly cooked.

7-6-5 GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS
(from the Bewitching Kitchen)

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
for the marinade (substitute any recipe you like):
1/4 cup olive oil
1 T red wine vinegar
1 T fresh orange juice
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Whisk the olive oil, vinegar and orange juice vigorously together into an emulsion.  Add the dried thyme and red pepper flakes and whisk again.  Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the marinade over them, coating well.   Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove the meat from the marinade, season with salt and pepper and place on a very hot grill, covered,  for 7 minutes.   Turn the meat over and continue grilling for 6 minutes.  Without opening the grill, turn it off and let the meat stay inside for 5 minutes.   Place the meat on a serving plate, tented with aluminum foil, let it rest for 5 minutes.  Slice at an angle and serve.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: This is a basic method, with which you can use any marinade or rub you ‘re fond of.   I like to start marinating the chicken early in the morning before leaving for work, so that dinner is a no-brainer: all it takes is 7-6-5 minutes, and a side dish or two.   Like Brussels sprouts and roasted butternut squash!

Which brings me to the double-decker,  Shredded Brussels sprouts.  My  husband insisted that a post solely devoted to Brussels sprouts would scare away most, if not all my readers!  I am sure my readers are very loyal (fingers carefully crossed), but in fact this poor veggie ranks way low in any popularity contest.   So, allow me to share with you a GREAT way to prepare Brussels sprouts, and I ‘ll bet that even the sprout haters in the audience will enjoy it…

LEMONY SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
(adapted from Martha Stewart.com)

1-2 pounds of Brussels sprouts
2 T olive oil
2 T water
zest of 1 lemon
good squeeze of lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts with a knife or the slicing disk of your food processor. Heat the olive oil in a skillet until very hot, almost smoking.   Add the sliced veggies, the water, season with salt and pepper and cook,  stirring every once in a while until the sprouts become tender and develop a few brown spots.  Add lemon zest, mix, and squeeze a little lemon juice all over and serve.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: Sometimes a different way of processing a vegetable will substantially improve its taste.  Prepared this way, Brussels sprouts have a pleasant texture ( don’t overcook them!), and a bright, fresh flavor from the lemon juice. It’s perfect alongside roast chicken, pork, or a thick piece of grilled salmon.

Brussels sprouts are low in carbs, and loaded with vitamins A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, and fiber.  They are good for you, so, give this recipe a try!   😉

ONE YEAR AGO: Baked Shrimp and Feta Pasta