some calm in a sea of chaos

hello friends!

i haven't been around for a while and that's because i've been working like a crazy person.  you should all be very pleased to know that i'm keeping up with everything during my time of insanity and i've lost nearly 40 pounds since this whole shebang started.

often when i'm working this much, making my own dinner is the first thing to go out the window.  however, when i do get the chance to do it i'm super thankful because it always calms me down. 

so even as i sit here waiting for contract revisions to come from some dude in LA to go to some other dude in Manhattan so i can use a parking lot in Greenpoint (don't ask), i forced myself to make some dinner.

now sometimes, when i'm trying to make a meal on the dregs of my fridge/cabinets, it comes out pretty weird.  (anyone remember this?)  but sometimes, when i'm forced to get creative, i get a little bit brilliant.  i think tonight was one of those instances...

 

behold... Chicken & Waffles!

yes, i made Chicken & Waffles for dinner tonight.  i took a little help from my freezer but ya know what? it was great.

Chicken & Waffles
serves: 1
points plus value per serving: 9

1 Eggo Nutrigrain waffle

1 breaded chicken cutlet** (see recipe below)

1 serving arugula salad with cherry jam** (see recipe below)

1 tsp maple syrup

to assemble:

toast waffle and place on a plate, drizzle with maple syrup.  top with chicken cutlet and place salad on top.  eat. 

**Breaded Chicken Cutlets

serves: 2

points plus value per serving: 3

2 - 2.5 ounce chicken cutlets, pounded thin
2 tbsp panko bread crumbs
1 tsp grated parmesan cheese
kosher salt
black pepper
ground mustard
dried thyme
paprika
1 tsp olive oil

season chicken cutlets on both sides with all spices.

place bread crumbs in a shallow dish and season those with all spices as well. mix in grated parmesan.  dredge the cutlets in the breadcrumb & spices mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, place chicken in pan and brown on both sides.

**Arugula Salad with Cherry Jam

serves: 1

points plus value per serving: 1
1 & 1/2 cups arugula
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cherry jam

toss everything together in a bowl.

anyway, this was my dinner, it was awesome.  now i have to go to bed so i can get up at 5:30 in the morning and try to trick some people that i can speak polish... AWESOME!

-V