So I kind of have an embarrassing new hobby.
It's only really embarrassing because I've consistently devoted my evenings over the last month or so to this hobby, and with Spring in full bloom it's well...kind of an indoor hobby. Can you guess? Ok it's puzzles. I don't know what it is, but my mind doesn't seem to be getting bored with it. I kind of have an addicting personality when it comes to games. I'm not saying I'm a full out gamer because that is extremely far from the truth. But I guess my brain gets into them. Thank goodness I didn't have access to video games as a child because I probably would be hooked up to a headset controlling World of Warcraft right now. Considering the most advanced online game I played was Kid Pix, that might be an exaggeration. I wasn't completely sheltered as a child when it came to gaming. We had SEGA Genesis but sadly, I was a bit too young for that and could barely ever complete a level. Also Doctor Robotnik gave me nightmares. Having an older brother I was forced into rounds and rounds of Mario Kart (old school N64 style) and James Bond Golden Eye. To this day, I do not think I have ever, in my lifetime, won a game against my brother. He's five years older than me OK, and we both are sad excuses for video game kids.
When the computer games came around I had more of an advantage. The design work required for SIMS and might I add the World's Greatest Game Ever...Roller Coaster Tycoon (Who agrees?) was more fitting for me than the all out combat games. Does Roller Coaster Tycoon still exist?? Can anyone help me out here? I would love to conquer Leafy Lake and start up my monopoly ones again. No pun intended on this games post with Monopoly, but don't think I've ever won a game of that either. I still believe Roller Coaster Tycoon caters to truly brilliant minds. It requires the dexterity to raise and lower your land where you don't eliminate almost 3/4 of your money. The advertising chops to discount those prices when you are running a billboard, and of course, the "twistedness" of a true tycoon who is willing to drown their guest for puking too much, or intentionally build a rollercoaster, with intense speed, leading to your guest's untimely death. Ahh Roller Coaster Tycoon, you are so missed. Also, who didn't drown the guest who claimed your ride was "too intense." Please.
I like to believe that my newfound love of puzzles represents the maturity of my inner character. In my youth, I would probably pay for some sort of SIMS app...(again do those exist? Just asking for a friend). But now, I yearn for the clear, definite, tangible aspects of a simple puzzle. And when you decide you need to try a 1,500 piece panorama of the London Skyline, I dare you to use the words simple and puzzle in the same sentence just once. And again, when you complete your 1,500 piece panorama of the London Skyline puzzle, and find that oh gee...one piece is missing, I dare you to try to fall asleep that very night. So alas, I still find myself yearning to complete this work of art...every, single night.
And now for me to try to link stuffed chicken and puzzles into one post. I don't think I can. I think I'm just trying to use this blog as a streamline of my inner thoughts post 8pm with a recollection of my dinner. If I was really talented with food writing, I would include an exposé of the first time I tried ricotta cheese however, I'm lamenting over how long it took me to figure out how to make that accent aigu (yah I took french) on my Mac. But to make things short, tonight I made stuffed chicken, and I'm also doing a puzzle. Stuffed chicken is really good so here is how to make it. Maybe I should modify the theme of this blog...
When the computer games came around I had more of an advantage. The design work required for SIMS and might I add the World's Greatest Game Ever...Roller Coaster Tycoon (Who agrees?) was more fitting for me than the all out combat games. Does Roller Coaster Tycoon still exist?? Can anyone help me out here? I would love to conquer Leafy Lake and start up my monopoly ones again. No pun intended on this games post with Monopoly, but don't think I've ever won a game of that either. I still believe Roller Coaster Tycoon caters to truly brilliant minds. It requires the dexterity to raise and lower your land where you don't eliminate almost 3/4 of your money. The advertising chops to discount those prices when you are running a billboard, and of course, the "twistedness" of a true tycoon who is willing to drown their guest for puking too much, or intentionally build a rollercoaster, with intense speed, leading to your guest's untimely death. Ahh Roller Coaster Tycoon, you are so missed. Also, who didn't drown the guest who claimed your ride was "too intense." Please.
I like to believe that my newfound love of puzzles represents the maturity of my inner character. In my youth, I would probably pay for some sort of SIMS app...(again do those exist? Just asking for a friend). But now, I yearn for the clear, definite, tangible aspects of a simple puzzle. And when you decide you need to try a 1,500 piece panorama of the London Skyline, I dare you to use the words simple and puzzle in the same sentence just once. And again, when you complete your 1,500 piece panorama of the London Skyline puzzle, and find that oh gee...one piece is missing, I dare you to try to fall asleep that very night. So alas, I still find myself yearning to complete this work of art...every, single night.
And now for me to try to link stuffed chicken and puzzles into one post. I don't think I can. I think I'm just trying to use this blog as a streamline of my inner thoughts post 8pm with a recollection of my dinner. If I was really talented with food writing, I would include an exposé of the first time I tried ricotta cheese however, I'm lamenting over how long it took me to figure out how to make that accent aigu (yah I took french) on my Mac. But to make things short, tonight I made stuffed chicken, and I'm also doing a puzzle. Stuffed chicken is really good so here is how to make it. Maybe I should modify the theme of this blog...
Ingredients:
4 skinless chicken breast halves - make sure they are thick. Don't use tenders.
1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
3 cups packed fresh spinach
3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, julienned
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I used reduced fat)
3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 thin slices of prosciutto (totally optional)
Method:
Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a large cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add spinach and cook over medium high heat until it is wilted. This will be quick, about 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss in the mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Transfer to a dish and set aside. Cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of a chicken breast. The chicken breast I buy are super super thick, so I actually cut them in half, and then cut in the slit. Stuff the cheese mixture into each pocket. Close the chicken flaps and secure with a toothpick if you think you need it. I didn't use one. It was still edible. Combine the garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper, and basil together in a small bowl. Coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture. Place olive oil into the cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and lightly sear on one side for 2 -3 minutes. If your like me, analyze your chicken and say..."something is missing" and add some slices of prosciutto because you're feeling extra decadent tonight. Toss in the oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes until the juices run clear in the chicken. Don't literally toss your chicken in the oven, gently place it in. You'll have a boatload of the spinach cheese mixture, so eat it with a spoon by yourself, or serve it on top of the chicken if you have friends over and want to impress.
4 skinless chicken breast halves - make sure they are thick. Don't use tenders.
1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
3 cups packed fresh spinach
3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, julienned
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I used reduced fat)
3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 thin slices of prosciutto (totally optional)
Method:
Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a large cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add spinach and cook over medium high heat until it is wilted. This will be quick, about 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss in the mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Transfer to a dish and set aside. Cut a deep pocket into the thickest side of a chicken breast. The chicken breast I buy are super super thick, so I actually cut them in half, and then cut in the slit. Stuff the cheese mixture into each pocket. Close the chicken flaps and secure with a toothpick if you think you need it. I didn't use one. It was still edible. Combine the garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper, and basil together in a small bowl. Coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture. Place olive oil into the cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and lightly sear on one side for 2 -3 minutes. If your like me, analyze your chicken and say..."something is missing" and add some slices of prosciutto because you're feeling extra decadent tonight. Toss in the oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes until the juices run clear in the chicken. Don't literally toss your chicken in the oven, gently place it in. You'll have a boatload of the spinach cheese mixture, so eat it with a spoon by yourself, or serve it on top of the chicken if you have friends over and want to impress.
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