Seasonal Specialities

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Sep 2009 09:05 AM

Tomatoes, cherries and corn are everywhere this time of year. If you have a bumper crop that you are trying to eat your way through, then you'll appreciate the following simple seasonal recipes:

CHERRY CHICKEN

Ingredients:

4 boneless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter, divided

8 ounces fresh cherries, pitted and diced

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup water

1 to 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1 cup chicken broth.

Pour mixture into a saucepan along with the sugar and water. Bring to a boil until sauce starts to thicken. Turn off heat and add cherries.

Slighly pound chicken and season with salt and pepper.

Dredge chicken lightly in flour.

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet.

Cook chicken on both sides until done.

Remove chicken to a plate and cover with foil.

Add remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth to skillet. Bring to a boil. Stir in cherries and sauce. Cook for a few minutes. If sauce gets too thick add a little more broth or water.

Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Spoon sauce and cherries over chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley.

SIMPLE SALSA

Ingredients:

5 Bushels of tomatoes

5 pounds of onions, peeled and chopped

6-8 green peppers, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Cilantro, finely chopped (to taste)

Parsley, finely chopped (to taste)

2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup chopped garlic

16 quart pot and a 5 gallon bucket or large container to mix salsa

Directions:

For every batch of salsa in a 16 quart pot:

Fill the pot to the top with blanched, peeled and chopped tomatoes.

In separate pot or bucket, combine remaining ingredients. Add into tomatoes.

Drain or strain off most of the juice (depending on how thick you want your salsa).

Heat mixture in a pot.

Pour salsa into sterilized jars and use, freeze, or hand out to loved ones.

Related Articles:

Making a Magnificent Meal from Summer's Harvest

Fruity Summer Meal

Fruit for Dinner

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger