The valley-girl is back home. Life is back to abnormal with my daughter away at university. It was an emotional and bittersweet weekend..but life changes are inevitable aren't they? Life moves forward to this new chapter in our lives. My daughter will enrich her life with new friends and interesting studies...and me...well.. I will have to come up with something!!!! Wink...wink....I can do a lot of blogging!!!
The university made the transition as easy as possible despite the 5 hour drive with a car full to the brim. When I picked my daughter up I really had my doubts whether that huge mound (I do not exaggerate in the least) could fit into my little Cavalier. Every nook and cranny was jam packed and I saw the pile of belongings on the sidewalk diminish quickly. Once on the open road I had to rely very heavily on my mirrors and try and stay in the left hand lane as much as possible. It wasn't so bad on the mountain highways for 4 hours, but, a little nerve racking once we hit the major city. I wasn't the only one full to the brim so that was comforting. Once we arrived there was an army of volunteer students to help you unload your stuff and cart it up to your room. They had a catered lunch available as well with all the fixings!!! I know that my daughter will have an amazing year . Thank goodness for e-mail and Skype!!!!
I already posted one of our favourite picnic salads. Now here is the recipe for the Chicken Lollipops. I made a quick Chipotle Mayonnaise that I have made on several other posts and we were all set. My daughter made Garlic Lemon Hummus as well with flatbreads. Then there were the mini cheesecakes of course that I have previously mentioned.
The "lollipops" were not the easiest to photograph and make look tempting, but, believe me they were very tasty. They make perfect picnic fare!!! I was limited on time and had to get packing.
**Panko Crusted Chicken Lollipops**
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2
1/2 cup flour (125 ml)
2 eggs
2 cups panko crumbs (500 mL) Note: I used 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs added to the Panko
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped (or herbs of your choice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch of pepper
8-inch bamboo skewers
Chipotle Mayonnaise for dipping1. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 1 hour to prevent burning when cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 350F.
3. Thread chicken onto bamboo skewers and set aside.
4. Place flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in 3 separtate bowls. Whisk eggs lightly and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the chopped parsley to the breadcrumbs.
6. Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, then dip into egg, letting excess drip off. Evenly coat with breadcrumbs. Arrange chicken in a single layer on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake chicken lollipops in 350F oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Allow to cool on racks to keep crisp.
Serve with dipping sauce.
Serves 4 very hungry people.
Thanks for the idea! I've had some panko in the pantry that I've been waiting to use. Sounds like everything went smoothly and you're all excited about the future!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it would be like if I used tofu instead of chicken. I have yet to try using panko - it looks like it would be tasty. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't see why you couldn't use tofu for all the vegans out there. A recipe is only a guideline. The original recipe had you deep frying the chicken lollipops.
ReplyDeleteLooks mouth watering! I just made a horrible dinner and now I am even more hungry!
ReplyDeleteI have made pan fried firm tofu with panko and it is very good, works the same way as Valli describes above with the flour, egg, panko method.
Lollipops seem to be very trendy these days. I keep seeing recipes for them, or I'll see them on Top Chef.
ReplyDeleteThese look tasty-will have to try...
Val, I am glad you are home safely. I remember taking my son to school at the Culinary Institute in New York. I did not want to leave. But his time at school went very fast and the next think I knew, he was back home. But that was just a stopping point for all the adventures that awaited him in his culinary world! Lots of new experiences await your daughter and her sharing them with you is like they say...priceless!
ReplyDeleteSounds great ! Do you have a good recipe for the Chipotle Mayo ? I've tried making it myself but it never comes out as good as when I get it at a restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI love Panko! These look like so much fun - they remind me of fair food. Yum!
ReplyDeleteEverything is more fun when it's on a stick!
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job with the lollipops because I was tempted! I will keep this in mind as finger food for my next party.
ReplyDeleteThe chicken lollipops sounds good and the chipotle mayonnaise sounds great!
ReplyDeleteAndy, I have viewed your blog many times and I know you make delicious dinners. Sometimes we hit a lemon in experimentation though!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw them make them on the Food Network too Emilie.
Erin has sen me a couple of e-mails Deb, so, I know she is enjoying herself immensely so far. She is getting used to the Metro and the bus system as well. Don't know if she will get used to the humidity and the rain though!!!
Tom, I have a recipe or two on my blog, The first one is under my Zucchini Sticks recipe and the other under the Chiles Rellenos Chicken. Hope you enjoy!!!
I love the fall fair Deborah. Can you get chicken on a stick there Brilynn?
They were good Nora and Kevin especially with the Chipotle Mayonnaise!!
sounds and looks lovely, but I ahve to ask...what is panko?? Thanks for the comment! Lovely to hear that your dad was over in this neck of the woods. When are YOU coming? You know who to call when you do....!
ReplyDeleteDharm, Panko is Japanese bread crumbs. They are lighter and flakier than regular bread crumbs so make a crispier coating. I used to be able to get them only at the Asian market but now they are available everywhere here.
ReplyDeleteIt may be a little nippy around here for a picnic... unless you sport some fingerless gloves. That said, my grandsons love to have "picnic" lunches in my den in front of the tv. I'm sure they'll love these lollypops too.
ReplyDelete