Happy Sixth Anniversary

It's hard to imagine it, but today marks the 6th Anniversary of my work as rector and pastor of St. Paul's.

To celebrate, I'm having a dinner party with all of the former Senior and Junior Wardens and their spouses/partners. Only one couple was unable to attend. That means 12 to dinner.

I'm making Chicken Piccata with linguine that will be tossed with olive oil, garlic, chopped broccoli, halved grape tomatoes and finely chopped pecans. Appetizer is one of Giada's concoctions called Pizzette with Fontina, Tomato, Basil and Prosciutto. I'm going to get that started in a few minutes, then they'll be ready to pop into the oven for 12 minutes after everyone arrives. I've just made homemade Bourbon Ice Cream (Woodford Reserve, of course) which will be served with some finger cookies (Madeline's) I've just finished making.

The Chicken Piccata recipe is fabulous. I got it from the restaurant on Long Island where Billy Joel wrote "Bottle of red, bottle of white." They tell me it's his favorite meal - orders it 9 out of 10 times he's there.

It's so easy, it's embarrassing.

I'm off and running for the day, so I'll leave you with the recipe. Enjoy.
Ingredients:

6 to 8 chicken breast halves, boneless, no skin
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika (to taste - gives it a nice reddish glow)
3 tbs. butter
2 tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
3 tbs. fresh lemon juice
6 - 8 thin slices lemon
3 tablespoons capers (optional)

PREPARATION
Put chicken breasts between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap; pound to flatten to about 1/4 inch. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika; dredge chicken breasts to coat well.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Saute chicken breasts in batches, about 3 minutes on each side.

Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Stir in chicken broth, scraping to loosen browned bits. Add lemon juice and heat through. Return chicken to the skillet with lemon slices, heat until sauce thickens. Add capers, if using. Serve with your favorite pasta and a green vegetable.

Serves 6 to 8 people.

PS: If you have vegetarians coming for dinner, try slices (1/4 inch thick) of sweet potato instead of the chicken. Delicious! (Besides, I love saying "Sweet Potato Piccata") Just make sure you use a separate skillet and use vegetable broth verses chicken broth.

The bishop and his spouse are coming tomorrow, so there's also a HUGE parish luncheon to coordinate. It's also Refreshment / Mothering Sunday, so the Rose Vestments and altar hangings need to be steamed and put out.

I'm putting my roller blades on as soon as I finish this post. I have a feeling it's going to be that kind of week end: completely wonderful fun but thoroughly exhausting.

Film, as they say, at 11.