To Cook or Not to Cook, That is the Question

When faced with the dilemma of whether to cook dinner when you find yourself alone or go out is a serious question for me. Tonight I decided to cook for myself and was absolutely thrilled with the results. I made Fizzy Chicken with Rice and Lemon Vinaigrette and a Vegetable Melange.

I started with the vinaigrette: fresh lemon juice, freshly chopped chives, honey, and Dijon mustard mixed together with a little vegetable oil whisked in until thoroughly combined. The vinaigrette was set aside.

A couple of chicken breasts were seasoned with salt and pepper, dredged in flour and sauteed in a skillet briefly on both sides. The pan was deglazed with Club soda and some butter and red pepper flakes were added and allowed to cooked for about 5 minutes, turning the chicken periodically.

Some cooked rice was combined with a little Parmesan cheese, heavy cream and a little butter.

The chicken was served with a side of the enriched rice and drizzled with the lemon vinaigrette.

The Vegetable Melange was a couple of carrots and a zucchini that were sliced thinly into strips on a mandoline. The vegetable strips were cooked in a skillet in a little butter with a lid for about 3 minutes. The cover was removed and a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley and a little salt were tossed in.

I'm really looking forward to the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.