Viva Las Vegas...

I leave early tomorrow morning for Las Vegas. I wish I could say that I was meeting my dad there, or going with J or going for a girl's weekend trip or anything remotelyy fun. Instead I'm going for work... So not looking forward to it but at least it's only for 2 1/2 days.

The big highlight of our trip is dinner at Casa Di Amore. This is an AWESOME Italian restaurant off the strip. This will be our third year going back there. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere has the old Las Vegas feel to it and what service is outstanding. They have complimentary limo service and a delicious Amarone wine. I highly recommend this little hole in the wall if you want yummy Italian food off the strip.

Oh Happy Friday!

Happy Friday. I've been looking forward to today for a couple different reasons.

* It's Friday.

* I'm having lunch with my dear dear friend D. She and I have known each other for close to 10 years. We worked together at my last job and have remained friends since. She is extremely creative, talented, and a wonderful friend. Not to mention she is an extraordinary mom. I was fortunate to be in the room when little D was born almost 6 years ago! Wow!!

* She works in the Valley so we are meeting 1/2 way at Johnny Rockets. I'm sure it will be fun and yummy.

* D's bringing ...... cupcakes from the infamous Leda's Bake Shop. I've mentioned to her a time or two about my "cupcake envy". Being the wonderful friend that she is - she trucked to Leda's yesterday and picked up a box so we could enjoy them at lunch today. Another reason why I love my friend!!!!

* BevMo is having the $.05 wine sale. I've never been and I'm going to make this sale hopefully on my way back from lunch. Hmmmm what will I find.

* Tonight is the 2nd game of the Division Series between the Angels and the Red Sox. My beloved Angels lost the first game on Wednesday but I'm hoping we can come back tonight and make the series even for when they head back to Anaheim this weekend. Oh how I love the Angels!

* It's Friday!!!!

Yummy Wine Sauce!!!!

I made this last night and it was wonderfully creamy and tasty. I only used the wine sauce portion of the recipe with chicken breasts (not with Swiss cheese or ham) and served with rice. It was very tasty!


Cordon Bleu

INGREDIENTS
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 slices ham
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS
Pound chicken breasts if they are too thick. Place a cheese and ham slice on each breast within 1/2 inch of the edges. Fold the edges of the chicken over the filling, and secure with toothpicks. Mix the flour and paprika in a small bowl, and coat the chicken pieces.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until browned on all sides. Add the wine and bouillon. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
Remove the toothpicks, and transfer the breasts to a warm platter. Blend the cornstarch with the cream in a small bowl, and whisk slowly into the skillet. Cook, stirring until thickened, and pour over the chicken. Serve warm.

**'Cordon Bleu' is a French term, literally translated as 'blue ribbon', that originally referred to an award for culinary excellence given to women cooks**