7/28/09

Shortbread Cookies dipped in Chocolate





3 STICKS BUTTER AT ROOM TEMP
1 CUP SUGAR
1TESASPOON VANILLA
3 ½ CUPS FLOUR
¼ TSP KOSHER SALT

*OPTIONAL*
1/2 BAG SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

(I MADE HALF OF THE BATCH WITH NO CHOCOLATE AND THEY WERE STILL A BIG HIT! CRUNCHY AND NOT TOO SWEET! )

MIX INGREDIENTS ON LOW UNTIL IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. TAKE IT OUT AND WORK THE DOUGH A MIN OR TWO ON A CUTTING BOARD AND THEN SHAPE INTO A LARGE FLAT DISK…WRAP IN PLASTIC WRAP AND CHILL FOR HALF HOUR. ROLL OUT TO HALF INCH THIHK, CUT OUT SHAPES OF YOUR CHOICE, SPRINKLE WITH A LITTLE SUGAR, THEN BAKE ON AN UNGREASED COOKIE SHEET AT 350 DEGREES FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE CHIPS AT 30 SEC INTERVALS, STIRRING IN BETWEEN AND KEEP REPEATING UNTIL THE CHOCOLATE IS THIN ENOUGH TO SPREAD OR DIP THE COOKIE IN. DIP HALF A COOKIE IN THE CHOCOLATE OR SPREAD IT ON WITH THE BACK OF A SPOON, PUT BACK ONTO COOLED COOKIE SHEET TO DRY,

7/2/09

Chicken Cordon Bleu



Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 4

*NOTE*
I added the ingredients and directions if you want to make it with sauce on top.

INGREDIENTS:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cooked ham
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs


SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 7x11 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness.


3. Sprinkle each piece of chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Place 1 cheese slice and 1 ham slice on top of each breast. Roll up each breast, and secure with a toothpick. Place in baking dish, and sprinkle chicken evenly with bread crumbs.

4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. Place 1/2 cheese slice on top of each breast, let melt, remove toothpicks and serve with sauce and parsely over top.

TO MAKE SAUCE:
In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, heat the butter on high for 30 seconds; stir in the flour until smooth. Cook, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds. Add milk and salt. Cook 3-4 minutes longer or until thickened. Stir in cheese until smooth. Add the wine or broth. Serve over chicken.