Crunchiest Breaded Chicken...Ever!

I made a lot of breaded chicken.  Mostly because my kids like it and somehow I convince myself it's better than those frozen nuggets!  I made this recipe one Saturday night not too long ago because Sean said something along the lines 'let's not have something frozen'.  It's so easy to fall out of the cooking routine with two young kids!  So, back to cooking it is!

From the Joy of Cooking:

Sauteed Breaded Boneless Chicken Breasts

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 C dry bread crumbs (if using fresh, leave out overnight)
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
1 T basil or 1 t oregano (I  put in 1 T Italian seasoning and called it even)
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 egg
1 t water
1/4 flour
1/3 C oil, olive if you have it (I used canola)

1. Wash and dry the chicken.
2. Mix bread crumbs with cheese and spices.
3. Whisk egg and water together in a bowl.
4. Spread bread crumb mixture on one plate and flour on another plate.
5. Dip chicken in flour, then egg mixture and finally in bread crumb mixture.
6. Heat oil to medium in a heavy skillet.
7. Add chicken and cook until lightly brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
8. Drain on paper towel for about 5 minutes to cool.

Family Factor: wasn't thrilled with the oil choice, but liked it with marinara sauce on top!
Stomach Factor: pretty mild
Time Factor: easy, may even do on a weekend if someone would watch the kids...hint, hint!

Nuts with some flavor!

I made this for my bookclub earlier this week.  As soon as I made it, I realized my mom has made this several times as well.

From Joy of Cooking:

Rosemary and Brown Sugar Nuts

1 lb mixed nuts
Salt and Pepper
2 T butter, melted
3 T finely chopped rosemary (use fresh if you have it)
2 T brown sugar
2 T light corn syrup (can be omitted if needed)

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Melt the butter.
3. Put the nuts in a mixing bowl.
4. Pour the butter over the nuts.
5. Add the spices, sugar and syrup.
6. Toss until well coated.
7. Spread across a baking sheet (un-greased).
8. Bake for 7-10 minutes until lightly browned.
9. As the nuts cool, stir until the coating dries.

Enjoy!