The “Queen of Leftovers” has been busy at my house these last few weeks. As you all know, The Queen and I are best friends. She brought her magic leftover wand to my house again, and has really been shaking it all about lately. With the way I cook, you would never know I am actually an only child; you would think I grew up in Larry’s family, as the youngest of 9. Working in restaurants and catering for over 35 years added to the fact that when I cook, which is basically all the time, I cook for large amounts of people too. I have this morbid fear of running out of food. We have actually done that on a couple of occasions at some catering events I’ve worked (I was not the Chef in charge though, so I don’t take the blame. At those times, I was only the Sous Chef. It was SO embarrassing!) I haven’t learned how to cook for just the two of us, and at this late stage, I doubt it’s going to ever happen either. 🙂
This latest leftover meal was completely comprised of using up what was already cooked and in the fridge, with the exception of my vegetables. I had some leftover spinach and artichoke dip that got turned into stuffing for for some chicken. That was served atop some leftover couscous, and everything was dressed with the remainder of my lemon vinaigrette. Add a Little Lemon I waved my magic leftover wand, and … voila! A magical meal was made.
I coated the chicken with some herbs and olive oil and seared it, then I made a pocket for the filling. I added some garlic and roasted chilies to the artichoke dip, then filled my pockets.
Not wanting anything to go to waste (not waist, especially mine), I poured the juices from the pan on top of the chicken, covered it in foil and baked it in the oven at 375* F or about 190* C for about 45 minutes.
And the finished product is plated and served. Since I am a saucy kind of girl, I poured the remainder of my lemon vinaigrette on top of the chicken and added a bit of parsley. If you didn’t know any better, would you think this meal was all from leftovers? 🙂
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays. Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.
A Jeanne in the Kitchen 