Chicken Nuggets and French Fries

Ok...admittedly not the healthiest, but with a few changes this guilty pleasure meal can be really tasty and not too bad for you. It's a crowd-pleaser, for big and little kids alike.

Chicken Schnitzel

You'll need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves to feed 4 adults. Split the breast in half horizontally, and pound thin between two pieces of plastic wrap. Be careful not to pound holes into it!

Set up a breading station: 1 plate seasoned flour, 1 plate of 2 beaten eggs and 1 plate of seasoned breadcrumbs. Take one pounded piece of chicken and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Cover the chicken with flour, shaking off excess. Do the same with the egg, then cover with breadcrumbs. Repeat with other pieces of chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1-2 T olive oil over high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This may need to be done in batches. Chicken can be kept warm in a 250 F oven until ready to be served.

Pommes de Terre Saute

This is one of the family's favorite dishes. Both the girls and the dad's get really excited when they can smell them coming from the kitchen.

All you do is peel and dice (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) 3-4 russet potatoes. Cook them over medium high heat until they are browned and cooked through, stirring frequently. I like to use both olive oil and a little butter to cook them, and make sure they are well seasoned with salt and pepper. When the potatoes are done they should look like hash browns, just smaller.

I served this seemingly indulgent meal with a salad made of blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and goat cheese dressed with a shallot Dijon balsamic vinaigrette. Yummy.

For dessert I made a raspberry walnut upside-down cake which was SO easy. See "Cranberry Walnut Upside Down Cake" on www.epicurious.com and sub frozen raspberries for the cranberries.

Happy Cooking!