So this week was the finale of this season of The Bachelor so we decided to go all out for our last dinner of the season. What we came up with was a healthy menu with strong herbal and Asian influences.
Thai Basil Crusted Chicken
Chicken Breast (single cut breasts are better than the double cut as they will cook more quickly without getting too browned)
1. Cover each side of the each chicken breast with a light coating of the Thai Basil Sea Salt.
2. Let sit at least 20 minutes.
3. Grill until done or if cooking inside use a grill pan for best results.
The Thai Basil Sea Salt was amazing and we plan to experiment with it and other meats too. I think it would also be great on tofu.
Quinoa Salad
2 Cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable Broth or Water can be substituted)
1 Cup Quinoa
1 Clove Garlic, chopped
1 Carrot
2 Celery Stalks
2 Sprigs of Green Onion
1/2 Red Pepper
Handful of Baby Heirloom Tomatoes (Cherry Tomatoes can be substituted)
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1.5 Limes, juice only
Cilantro, Basil, Mint, Salt & Pepper to taste
1. Prepare quinoa with chicken broth and garlic in either a rice cooker or on the stove according to package directions. Allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Dice carrot, celery, green onion, and red pepper. Add to cooled quinoa.
3. Thinly slice tomatoes. Add to cooled quinoa.
4. Finely cut up cilantro, basil and mint. Add to cooled quinoa.
5. Add olive oil and lime juice to quinoa and vegetable mixture. Stir.
6. Add salt & pepper to taste.
Makes at least 8 side servings.
Sauteed Bok Choy, Broccolini & Green Cabbage
Equal amounts of Bok Choy, Broccolini, & Green Cabbage
12 Cloves Garlic
Grapeseed Oil (another oil can be substituted if need be)
Toasted Sesame Oil
Sesame Seeds
1. Saute bok choy, broccolini, green cabbage and garlic in an appropriate amount of grapeseed oil.
2. When vegetables are nearly done, add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and the sesame seeds.
Very Herby Salad
1 Bag of Herb Salad from Trader Joe's (If this salad is not available, use regular mixed greens and add cilantro, parsley and dill)
5-7 Basil leaves, finely chopped
4-6 Chives, finely chopped
Fresh shaved Parmesan, optional
1. Empty Herb Salad into a large bowl.
2. Add basil and chives.
3. Add parmesan if you wish.
4. Add dressing and toss.
Makes approximately 4 side servings.
We also enjoyed a cheese plate as a pre/post dinner snack as well as the Mango on Sticky Rice for dessert from Trader Joe's. The Mango on Sticky Rice is a large dessert and very filling due to the large amount of rice. We shared a piece and probably could have shared with another person too.
As for wine, we started with a glass of The Prisoner, followed by a Riesling from Silverlake Wine, and finished the evening with Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose from BottleRock LA.
Even though The Bachelor is over for the season you won't have to wait until The Bachelorette starts up again for new recipes! I still have three weeks from earlier this season to share! Don't forget to comment if you try any of the recipes. Cooking isn't a perfect science so I would love to hear what works and what doesn't work for you.
It was a delightful meal!
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