Items used for a five-course picnic

Work in progress.

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Source: https://www.thechunkychef.com/easy-lemon-chicken-piccata/

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 3/4 - 1" thickness)
• salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of ground thyme
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil chopped
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup pure lemon juice
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
• 1 lb thin spaghetti pasta

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season flour with salt, pepper and chopped fresh basil. Add thyme, salt and pepper to each side of the chicken breasts, then dredge in the seasoned flour.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook in batches of 2 (unless you have a huge skillet) to ensure a golden brown exterior. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until chicken is completely cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
3. Drop your pasta in salted boiling water and cook until al dente (according to package directions).
4. Reduce the heat to medium low. Add stock, wine, lemon juice, heavy cream, and capers to the same skillet. Whisk to combine and bring the sauce to a low boil. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer the sauce for 3 minutes.
5. Drain pasta, place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and add fresh basil and parsley, and toss to combine.
6. Slice the chicken into strips and place over cooked pasta. Pour sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley and basil.

Croutons

Source: https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/homemade-croutons-from-leftover-bread/

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubes leftover bread, crusts on
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Butter for pan prep
• Sea salt optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spritz a cookie sheet with spray butter, or rub with a stick of butter to coat.
2. Cut slices of bread into the size of croutons you desire. I left the crusts on.
3. Lay bread on prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.
4. Melt butter and whisk in Italian seasoning and garlic. Drizzle over the top of the bread.
5. Bake for 5 minutes, turn bread over. Continue this method every 5 minutes until bread is toasted to your desired crispness. I like mine golden brown on the outside and still soft in the middle. Mine took just under 20 minutes. Watch them closely.
6. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired) when you remove them from the oven. Let cool. Store in an air tight container. Use within one week.