Dinner in Naples

We are spending a couple of weeks in our Naples, FL home and yes, I know - it's HOT.  Being a family affair, my sister Angela (Cookie) came down with her daughter Nicole and her beautiful granddaughter Ava.  Right when they had to leave, my sister Susan (the baby as she likes to be referred) arrived and we made it there just before she had to leave.  Susan wanted to make dinner for us on her last night and we were able to take a few pictures with our phone since I forgot my camera on this trip.

She has this fabulous chicken dish that I have named Chicken Amato.  I don't even know if it's out there anywhere, but Susan and her husband Vinny make this at their restaurant Rocco's and it's delicious.  I brought down baby artichokes in my suitcase so we decided to work together and create dinner.

I removed the stems and outer leaves from the chokes, cut them in half and put lemon juice over them.  I now know that when you get to this part, you should put the artichokes in lemon water so they keep fresh.  Oh well, you live and learn.  They were actually okay since I knew enough to add the lemon juice all over them. 

I diced red onion and garlic, sauted for 5- 7 minutes and added white wine.  In went chicken both, artichokes, salt and pepper and simmered until soft.

Now for the Chicken Amato!  Susan pounded the chicken to make a thin cutlet and floured, breaded and dipped into the egg.  She fried the cutlet and once crisp, removed from the pan and onto a paper towel to remove the excess oil.  Once they were all finished, she placed them onto a sheet pan and layered provolone cheese, roasted red peppers and prosciutto on each one.  Oh, she also topped them with a little artichoke since we had them available, but that is not in their original recipe.  These went into the oven for a few minutes only to melt the cheese and crisp the prosciutto.  She created a quick salad and we were off!

At the last minute, I made banana cream pudding.  It was the fat free, no sugar, five minute deal.  I added graham crackers and viola - dessert. 

As a family of three, we ate, drank wine and laughed the night away.  I love spending time with my sisters.  It's something I can never get enough of.  Hopefully, the next time will be with all of us! 

A good life deserves good food!

Fino a quel momento (until that time)

LID