Sunday, June 25, 2023

Recipe - Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli

I use my air fryer a lot during the week, especially when I’m busier than usual and don’t have much time to cook. Air fryer chicken recipes are a big hit in my household. Enjoy! 

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/3 cup panko 
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan 
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil 
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets (about 5 ounces) 
  • 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt 
  • Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon 
DIRECTIONS: Stir together the panko, Parmesan, 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, the oregano, pinch of salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl or small baking dish until thoroughly combined. Pat the chicken dry between a couple paper towels, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Brush both sides of the chicken with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the Dijon, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Toss the broccoli, remaining 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, a good pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until evenly coated. Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Add the chicken to the air-fryer basket and cook until it’s starting to brown and crisp on the top, about 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over with tongs and position in the center of the basket, then scatter the broccoli around the perimeter. Continue air-frying until the chicken is crisp all over and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the middle registers 160 degrees F, and the broccoli is tender and charred, about 8 minutes more. Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt, lemon zest and juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon Dijon, a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Serve alongside the chicken and broccoli for dipping.

(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Friday, June 9, 2023

Recipe - Vegetable Noodle Soup

It's a rainy day here in the south. The perfect kind of weather for some comfort food. Enjoy! 

INGREDIENTS: 
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
  • 1 rib celery, sliced (about 1 cup) 
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced (about 3/4 cup) 
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed
  • 1/4 medium onion, about 1/2 cup 
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1/3 cup orzo or other small pasta or egg noodles or broken up spaghetti 
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1-quart box, or 2 cans) 
  • Small handful fresh parsley leaves, basil or dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons) 
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon) 
  • Freshly ground black pepper 
DIRECTIONS: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add all the vegetables, garlic and onion. Season with the salt, and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until slightly toasted and golden, about 2 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, covered, until pasta is just tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in whatever herb suits you (or your young eater) and lemon juice. Season with pepper and additional salt, to taste. Fill thermos, pack in a lunch sack with crackers and cheese sticks and send off to school. Cook’s Note This soup freezes well, so freeze any leftovers or make a double batch to have plenty on hand. Also, you can stir in some cooked chicken or mini-meatballs, if desired, for another meal.

(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Saturday, June 3, 2023

Review - The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

TITLE:
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily 
RATING: ★★★★★ 
RELEASE DATE: October 3rd, 2023 

Summary (from Goodreads): The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.

2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.

REVIEW: Such a wonderful book! I adore stories with heroines who come from humble beginnings and who overcome hardships to lead a successful life. A true heroine you can’t help but root for, and this was absolutely the case with Zora Lily Hough. I loved her from the very beginning, and I so admired how she always remained true to herself, no matter the circumstances. This was my first time reading Noelle Salazar’s work, and she has such a beautiful way with words. It was a joy reading about Zora’s life, from her endearing friendship with Rose to her close relationship with her family, and…oh my…the love and passion between her and Harley. *happy sigh* I also loved that fashion design played a major part of the plot. I could almost picture Zora’s creations in my mind, and they were stunning. Oh, and I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending thrilled my soul. (Vindication! YES!) I highly recommend The Roaring Days of Zora Lily to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Noelle’s work in the future.  

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.) 

Hello and welcome to my website! My name is Stephanie Sullivan, and I'm a librarian, wife, mother, grandmother, and believer. I hope you'll bookmark my site and check back often for some book news, reviews, healthy recipes and more. Thank you so much for stopping by. God bless!

Book Rating System

★★★★★ - Amazing book. Couldn't put it down.

★★★★ - Very good read. Minor flaws.

★★★ - Just okay. Didn't love it. Didn't hate it.

★★ - Really, really bad.

★ - Don't even bother.

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