Lucky us…Chef Christine sent over two more recipes for an easy meal. Don’t forget, she’s running a special for Duchess readers for the month of April–$60 off any dinner party. She’s easy to reach at 480-390-6980.
Bacon Leek Potatoes
2 1/2 pounds small red skin new potatoes
1 leek, trimmed of tough tops
4 slices thick cut smoky bacon, chopped, such as applewood smoked bacon
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1 vine ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
Salt and pepper
1 cup sour cream, to pass at table
Cut larger potatoes in half, leave very small potatoes whole. Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook potatoes 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
Cut leek in half lengthwise. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Place leeks in big bowl of water and release all the dirt from them with a good swish, separating all the layers. Drain leeks in a colander. Put a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil into a hot nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Cook bacon 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to crisp and has rendered most of its fat. Add leeks to the skillet and cook 3 to 5 minutes more until the leeks are tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Smash the potatoes with the chicken stock. Add the BLT: bacon, leeks and tomatoes to the potatoes and continue to smash. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to your taste.
Honey Sesame Pecan Chicken Strips
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1/3 cup peach preserves
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt
2 large egg whites
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup vegetable or peanut oil
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
Whisk the mustard, peach preserves, thyme, 1 tablespoon water and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Mix the breadcrumbs, pecans, sesame seeds, paprika and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Dip the chicken strips in the egg whites and then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help it adhere. Working in batches, cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with the peach-mustard sauce.
The Duchess Diaries 