Apple Balsamic Chicken

According to the calendar it is Autumn but according to the thermometer it is still way too warm and humid in New Jersey to constitute as Autumn.  When I think Autumn I think crispy mornings and pumpkin coffee enjoyed with the window open and the fresh air wafting in the house not while still wearing flip flops sitting next to the vent still pumping out the air conditioned cold air from the garage furnace.

This is the best time of year, in my opinion, and in an effort to celebrate Fall I invite you to make this amazing fall flavored dish...Apple Balsamic Chicken.  It is so easy to prepare even if you are still wearing those capri pants and a tank top!  Enjoy...

Apple Balsamic Chicken  

6 Chicken Breasts
1 Large Onion (sliced)
Salt/Pepper
***1/3 cup Renzi Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Season chicken with salt/pepper
Top with onions
Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil
Toss together
Top with walnuts
Bake for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear

***If you cannot find Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp make it...Add 1 Tablespoons of your favorite applesauce to 1/3 cup of your favorite balsamic vinegar.  Stir to incorporate and you have instant Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp***

Ravioli with Balsamic Butter Sauce

So Elegant...

1 Bag of Frozen Cheese Ravioli
1 Stick of Unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
1/3 Cup Toasted Walnuts (optional)
Parmesan Cheese

Cook ravioli according to directions
Meanwhile melt butter over medium heat stirring occasionally
Once melted let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown
Turn off the heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes
Add balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and walnuts
Pour sauce over cooked ravioli and top with Parmesan cheese

The Up North Panini

Nothing Like a Pressed Sandwich...

Fresh, Sliced Italian Bread
Deli Sliced Roast Beef
Deli Sliced Provolone Cheese
Roasted Red Peppers
Arugula (cleaned and torn into pieces)
Balsamic Vinegar
Pam Spray

Preheat Grill Pan or Skillet

Assemble sandwiches:
Spray Italian bread with Pam Spray (both the outside and inside of bread)
Spoon a little bit of balsamic vinegar onto one side of the bread
Place roast beef, roasted peppers, arugula, and cheese on bread
Place sandwich on grill pan and press down until cheese is melted and bread has grill marks about 3-4 minutes per side

***If you do not have a panini press make one...
take a brick and cover it with tin foil for an instant panini press

Mozzarella & Tomato

Very simple...Very Beautiful

Tomatos
Wet Mozzarella
Basil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt / Pepper

Slice the tomato in rounds (discarding the top and bottom)
Slice the mozzarella in rounds (taking care to make the tomato and cheese about the same size
On a dish put the tomato down first
Then place a piece of basil on top of the tomato
Then add the slice of mozzarella
Season with a small grind of salt and pepper
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil