mindless in a worthwile way

“Oh, I adore to cook. It makes me feel so mindless in a worthwhile way.”

 -Truman Capote, Summer Crossing

i do not know who Truman Capote is nor what Summer Crossing is, but i do know that this quote came up on some page the claimed to to have the best quotes about cooking. instead of creating a clever story (i'm in the middle of turning in all my final projects for the end of the semester) i decided i would take the time to find a meaningful quote. if there is one thing that college has taught me, it is that everything appears to be five times better when you begin with a meaningful quote. (don't worry, i am learning a lot more worthwhile lessons). i think one of the reasons why i love cooking is that it does provide an avenue to craft something that requires just enough focus to enter into a 'zone' but little enough focus to where i am able to clear my mind, think, and meditate. sometimes i cook to think through a particular problem, sometimes i cook to avoid thinking about said problem, sometimes i cook to collect my thoughts, sometimes i cook meditate on scripture and truths, and then sometimes i cook just because i do need something to eat. 

here's a good recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken. i ate it a top of spaghetti and a marinara sauce. i wish i could say the pasta and sauce were homemade, but sadly no time for that in the midst of these last few weeks, or should i say days, of school. summer is coming. just have to keep reminding myself that.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Pepper
1/2 cup flour
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings together, place in shallow dish. 
2. Cut chicken in half horizontally. Pound each piece until 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet
5. Dredge chicken in flour, dip into egg, and coat in bread crumbs. Add to skillet.
6. Cook chicken 2-3 minutes on each side or until gold brown and cooked all the way through.
7. Serve on top of your favorite pasta and sauce, or serve alone.