changes

Dear Kristin,

The one thing we can always count on in life is change, or as I like to look at it - plot twists!
We're looking forward to coming to see you in your new digs - so many new things to explore! Speaking of exploring, with the price of beef so high, we are exploring new ways to cook chicken. (That was probably one of the worst segues I've come up with yet - sorry!) This recipe is based on one I found in the March 2014 issue of Cooking Light. The original recipe called for using pancetta - as you did in your penne vodka, but finding pancetta too "cosmo" for us, I comfy-fied the recipe a bit by subbing in bacon. This is really quick and easy - makes a great weeknight dinner with some roasted potatoes and a salad.

chicken with peas and bacon

1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into 1" pieces
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 c. dry white wine
1 c. chicken stock
2 Tbsp. mascarpone cheese
2 Tbsp. water
2 tsp. all purpose flour
1 c. frozen peas, thawed

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan & swirl to coat. Add garlic & saute for 2 minutes, stirring frequently - be careful not to burn it. Remove garlic from pan. Add bacon to pan and saute until it just begins to crisp - about 4 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon & add to reserved garlic.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Saute in the same skillet (there should be about 2 Tbsp. bacon fat left in the pan) until nicely browned - about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan. De-glaze pan with wine, and cook until wine is almost evaporated (about 3 minutes). Return chicken to the pan. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes or until chicken tests done. Remove chicken from the pan.

Add mascarpone cheese to the pan and whisk until smooth. Make a slurry with the flour and water and add to the pan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon and garlic and the peas. Heat until peas are heated through. Serve sauce over chicken.