The story goes that Alfredo sauce got its name from Alfredo di Lelio, who in 1908 was trying to come up with a dish that would please his pregnant wife. I like this guy already! He brought it from Italy to America in 1914 when he opened a restaurant in New York City from which his fame (or that of his dish!) spread. How can you go wrong with chicken covered with a sauce made of cream, parmesan cheese and white wine? You can’t! Here’s what you’ll need for this divine, 4 ingredient version:
1 & 1/2 lbs. of chicken
1& 1/2 cup of heavy cream
2/3 cup of dry white wine
2 cups of grated or shredded parmesan
Step 1. Put a skillet on medium low heat and stir in the wine and cream.
Step 2. Very slowly stir in parmesan cheese until the cheese melts. (This takes a few min. of continuous stirring.)
Step 3. Finally stir in 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt and 6 cranks of pepper. (If the sauce won’t get smooth enough, you can put it in a blender or if it gets too thick, you can re-warm it. If it’s still too thick, add a little chicken broth.)
Step 3. Spoon the sauce into a small pitcher and set aside. (Don’t clean out the frying pan because you will use it along with the sauce residue to cook the chicken. This gives the chicken a little extra flavor.)
Step 4. Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts and cut in large bite sized pieces .
Step. 5 Cover the bottom of the frying pan with a thin film of oil and cook the chicken pieces on medium high until done. (Once they are done on one side, turn them over so they will brown on both sides.)
*This Chicken Alfredo can be served over pasta and/or stir-fried vegetables (broccoli florets, chunks of red onion and pieces of bell peppers make a great combo for this dish!). If you are doing vegetables, start stir-frying the bell pepper first, then add the onion and finally the broccoli.
Harvest Candle Holder
Every time I go to Pier 1 I get ideas for crafts I want to do. Last time it was a Harvest Candle Holder. Totally easy to make! I will probably put it on our long Pickett family Thanksgiving table with flower arrangements on each side! Here’s what you’ll need:
A Hurricane candle holder (I get them from World Market for $4!)
Candle
Artificial leaves, berries, small pine cones etc.
Gold Spray paint
Cardboard
Glue gun and sticks
Step 1. Trace the base of the candle holder on the cardboard and cut the cardboard about 1 & 1/2 inches wider than the tracing.
Step 2. Spray the cardboard piece with gold spray paint and if you want, the pine cones.
Step 3. With the candle holder centered on top of the cardboard, begin gluing on the foliage in whatever design you want.
Step 4. When you are done, with your hand underneath, very carefully move the candle holder where you want it to place it. (Some of the foliage will be stuck to the candle holder. This is fine because it helps keep it in place.)
Step 5. Put the candle inside and enjoy! (Now, I’m excited to do one for Christmas!)
Looking Back
If you want ideas for other easy holiday crafts, check out some of last year’s posts on how to make Fall Napkin Rings, Christmas Napkin Rings and Holiday Coasters.
