déjà vu

*chicken, olives, prunes, capers, olive oil, red wine vinegar, a splash of chardonnay*

*made two pans and set eight plates, miss you Lizzie and Mimi*

*simple table, linen napkins, pretty much always un-ironed*

*had a little trouble with the couscous, made a double match and it kind of stuck together, single batch twice is better*

Another snowy February day, another chicken dinner. Really didn’t know what I was thinking, set the table for eight yet we only had six, must really be missing those college co-eds.

We’ve been reading; a book about a couple living in France and trying to speak the language exclusively, Gwyneth’s new book The Clean Plate, and a book gifted by second daughter, Ann Hood’s Kitchen Yarns. Ann’s writing about The Silver Palate’s legendary Chicken Marbella made my mouth water so much that I had to go to market to gather chickens and prunes. It was delicious.

*steamed the broccoli yet it precooked a little by simply sitting out on the hot range*

Decided to do some Parker House rolls as well, because, well, it’s snowy and it’s February. Anything with melted butter and flaky sea salt is a win win. The broccoli was because of Gwyneth.

If you’re wondering what to do for an at home Valentine’s dinner, Chicken Marbella could be a consideration. We added couscous simmered in homemade vegetable stock, and caramelized crème brûlée. Chocolates would be welcome, of course.