Chicken Piccata

This is a great easy weeknight dinner. I served this for our friends Peter and Heather who came over for a Monday night dinner. I served it with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. Serves 4 Total Time: 40 Minutes (prep 15/cook 30( Ingredients 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper All-purpose flour, for dredging 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate. Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.

Wheat Berry & Barley Salad

1 cup wheat berries 1 cup pearl barley 1 small red onion, finely diced 3 -4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 6 green onions, thinly sliced 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed 1/2 lb smoked mozzarella cheese, diced (or fresh mozzarella or feta) 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved salt & freshly ground black pepper Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add wheat berries. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Add barley and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until grains are tender, but still firm. Meanwhile, combine red onion, garlic, vinegar and oil in a large bowl. Drain grains and add to onion mixture. Toss well and cool. Add green onions, corn, mozzarella, tomatoes and salt and pepper. Toss well. Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.