Last Taste of Summer

A final flavorful hoorah as the sun sets on Summer
by Joie de Vivre

We are about to enter the season of comfort food and comfort clothes.  During the coming comfy cozy seasons it becomes all too easy to put on pounds and simply cover them up with layers of warm woolens. But do you really want to deal with another weight-loss resolution come January?  Here is a tasty recipe to help you savor the last moments of Summer light dining.

Chicken Scaloppine with Mushrooms and Tarragon

Makes: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons diced shallots
• 2 cups sliced mixed variety mushrooms (oyster, cremini, portobello, and/or button) 
• 4 tablespoons marsala wine
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 2 cups chicken stock 
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. On a flat surface, pound chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper with a meat mallet until 1/2 inch thick. Cut each pounded breast in half.
2. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Dust chicken with flour and saute in olive oil until lightly browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan; add shallots and mushrooms. Add wine and cook until almost evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, tarragon, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is reduced by half. Place chicken breasts on plates; spoon sauce over the top.

Nutrition facts per serving: 260 calories, 29g protein, 13g carbohydrate, 8g fat (2g saturated), 2g fiber

[from FitnessMagazine]