KAF’s Herb and Garlic Bubble Loaf

I got a King Arthur Flour Catalog a few weeks back, and on the cover was this LUSCIOUS looking loaf of bread, they called it a “tear & share”.
For the first time in our entire marriage, my husband actually read this food magazine (I get several) and brought it over to me.

DH: Look at this! Can you make this for us? This looks really good, I love homemade bread!
Me: Sure! It does look good, doesn’t it!

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/herb-and-garlic-bubble-loaf-recipe

I gathered all of the ingredients, re-read the recipe; I even did TWO “live chats” with KAF’s Baker’s Hotline with a few follow questions that weren’t clear to me.
I followed the recipe as well as the helpful information that I received on the chat line… 5 hours later (I took my time and didn’t rush the process) we sat down a dinner to what looked and smelled heavenly!

The Bubble Loaf was cracker-like on one side and the inside was very doughy and unappealing.

That goodness the Chicken Cacciatore over Rigatoni was outstanding.

After everything was cleaned up for the evening, my husband gives me a big hug and says, “Well, ok that was a no-go, what new recipe are we going to try next?”
AWW! He’s such a love!

Another Girlies’ Lunch Date At Gabby’s Grill

Missus Dear Friend and I try to get together every so often and it’s just us, no boys!  Sometimes we do some retail therapy first and then go to lunch, on this occasion we went over to Gabby’s Grill (the four of us have breakfast over at their sister restaurant Gabby’s Kitchen).

A glass of wine was the first order of business; aren’t these glasses cute?

Mrs. DF said that we simply must try their Crispy Avocado Egg Rolls.  Howdy Doody!  I’ve got to find a recipe for this.  It seemed pretty straight forward, sliced Avo, some diced Tomatoes and a bit of Cilantro, Lime Juice and maybe chopped Jalapenos…  and that dipping sauce was outta sight!  Not sure what it was but it was really good.

On to our entrees.  My friend had the Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad, asking that it be Dairy-free as well as Gluten-free.   I can’t recall what all was in it but it sure looked tasty, and that dressing!

I had the Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich with my side being a Garden Salad.  WOW!  That was a lot of food!  I wound up taking the salad home.

We lingered for awhile over our lunches, chatting and sipping our wine.  What a lovely way to spend on afternoon.  Thank you Dear Friend.

Chicken Marsala, My Way

Chicken Marsala is one of my favorite dishes not only to make but to eat as well.  I’ve tried several different recipes and have mashed together my own version.

Auntie Doni’s Chicken Marsala

4 boneless-skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts), diced into bite sized pieces

1/4 C. Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

10 oz. Crimini Mushrooms (Baby Bellas), diced

1/2 of small White Onion, diced fine

1 Garlic Clove, mined

3/4 C. Dry Marsala Wine

1 1/4 C. Chicken Broth

2 Tbsp. Butter, cold

In a large pan, heat the oil; sauté the Mushrooms until nicely brown, remove to a bowl.  Add more oil, if needed and sweat the White Onions until translucent; add the Garlic and sauté until fragrant, transfer to the bowl with the Mushrooms and set aside.

Toss the Chicken in the flour, salt and pepper, shake off any excess.  Add more oil to the pan if needed and brown the Chicken, about 3-5 minutes per side; transfer to a plate and set that aside as well.  Add the Wine to the pan and scrape up the nice brown bits in the pan and bring to a bubble.  Pour in the broth, add back in the Mushrooms, Onions and Garlic, stir well and simmer for a few minutes; add back in the Chicken, stir to combine it all and continue simmering until the sauce starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.  Add that cold Butter and swirl the pan around to melt and incorporate it into the sauce.   The sauce will thicken further, but don’t let it reduce too far.

Serve over Pasta, Rice, Polenta or even mashed Potatoes.  Garnish with some chopped Parsley and grated Cheese.

ENJOY!