Basil-Peach Chicken Breasts

As previously mentioned Mom visited shortly after we moved so that we could ... go shopping for wedding dresses! She knew she would be starting back to work at the end of August so it would be easier for her to come up then. When she visited Granny sent with her some peaches (and other various goodies)! Usually when Mom visits her best friend, Glenda, will come up for the day and we will meet Patrick for lunch. It's always a great day! Since we go out for lunch I usually don't want to go out again for dinner. I found a recipe that utilized peaches and basil as I was browsing a summer edition of Southern Living that we decided would be perfect for dinner.

It was called Basil-Peach Chicken Breasts (follow the hyperlink there or read it at the bottom of the post). We served it with couscous and steamed broccoli. 

Since we were shopping for wedding dresses Mom brought hers up from the late 1970's. It was preserved in this "Liftime of Loveliness" box that Granny and Poppa stored in their attic. You can see on the side that Granny labeled it appropriately as "Charlene's wedding dress".


We invited Rachel to come over after dinner for dessert and dress revealing. It was preserved very well; in two different boxes and wrapped in tissue. 

Taking the dress out of the box.

Here I am! This was quite the fashion costuming statement. Mom said these poofy headpieces were all the rage in her day. I believe her but this will not be making an appearance in 2012. The dress also has a very high collar and long sleeves. Other than the fashion trends the dress is in really good shape! The dress has lots of possibilities and I'm crossing my fingers that we can have it altered.

In other news my wonderful, brave mother has battled breast cancer and is as beautiful as ever! In January she had a double mastectomy and then started chemotherapy. Her chemotherapy ended at the beginning of the summer. We are celebrating life and what could be more appropriate than wedding dress shopping. I am so glad that my mom has been able to accompany me to each appointment and give her input on the wedding; I will cherish these memories forever! Now... I can't wait to see how she'll style her hair for the wedding.

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As promised, here's the recipe
Basil-Peach Chicken Breasts from Southern Living, June 2012   Ingredients
4 skinned and boned chicken breasts (about 2 lb.)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
12 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 cup reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
4 large peaches, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 2 cups)
Garnish: fresh basil leaves
   Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in hot oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from skillet, reserving drippings in skillet.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add shallot to hot drippings in skillet, and sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 45 to 60 seconds or until fragrant. Add basil, chicken broth, and peaches. Return chicken to skillet, and turn to coat.
3. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until chicken is done.

3 comments:

  1. I love this post - its so full of happiness! Glad to hear your mom is doing well and I bet she looked gorgeous in that wedding dress (just like you will in yours!)

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  2. I love this post, too! Well, my hair is finally growing back and Whitney and Patrick ( among others like Jimmy ) have encouraged me to go without the wig even though my hair is very short! But I have enjoyed the freedom of no wig, and being really daring with my short hair.

    Holly, loved reading your comment. Can't wait to see you! Hope your job is going well.

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  3. Oh, and the peach chicken dish was delicious! The whole meal was, but the company of Whitney and Patrick was the best part. And Rachel joining us for dessert.

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