Orange Balsamic Glazed Chicken on Lemon Risotto

Seriously! We start a cook book with this one? Yes, friends, its the truth. 2011 started a little early for me, because we won't be in town this Sunday. So, I started last night with the first recipe of the book. (Actually, the first recipe is Caesar Spaghetti and that involves Anchovies...we won't even go there). So, I started by making a meal that you would find in Gordon Ramsey's restaurant. Now, while he would make it to perfection, this meal stressed me out to the point where I had to call in an assistant chef (my wife) to help me make the Risotto. I must say the chicken came out really well. Thanks to Rachael for putting in very specific times. Here I am with my new timer that Jen got me for Christmas....

Something I learned is not to let the oil heat up too much. I had the onions and garlic ready to go. As soon as I put it in, it started to sizzle and freak me out. Not sure what to do when it immediately turns black. I didn't think it was supposed to cook that quickly! So, we threw that batch out and started over. Jen told me that when garlic gets dark, it turns bitter. Here are a few photos of the food cooking...

The final product was delicious! Jen said she could still remember the taste when she woke up the next morning! The citrus flavors and rosemary made it all come together. Here is the final plate...

FINAL VERDICT: It doesn't need ketchup or hot sauce!

We Begin...

I was a very picky eater growing up. My diet consisted of five food groups: tacos, grilled cheese, spaghetti, sloppy joes and chicken fingers. One summer, my family and I took a trip across country. They said I should have kept a journal of all the grilled cheeses I ate and how they differed. In college, we would go out to eat and I was known for ordering chicken fingers. Oh, how I love Tully's Tenders. The honey mustard that went along with it was incredible! Well, a woman stepped into my life and married me on May 27, 2007. Since then, my life has changed. She is a cook...an amazing cook! My food groups have widened as she has challenged me to step out in faith and try new foods, promising me that it wouldn't hurt...and so I did! She also pursued me into the kitchen and has awakened a desire in me to cook as well. Then, came the challenge...

We both watch Rachael Ray. Recently, she came out with a new cookbook, Look and Cook. Sunday night has become the night I cook dinner for our family. In 2011, I will go through the cookbook and cook every meal- whether it looks delicious or not so much. I will continue to expand my food groups. If you read this blog, you'll join in with me on the adventure...and what an adventure it will be!