I am home, safe, and my thoughts go out to the people of Japan! Life is so fragile and precious; it can change in the blink of an eye. Don't take family, friends, sunny days, books, chances to sleep, bakery air, singing, food... everything and everyone for granted!


Food! Isn't it such an essential element of life?
Today my family enjoyed Lemon Chicken Breasts,  one of the easiest, in my opinion, Ina Garten's recipes. She explains in her book "How Easy is That?" "When I need to get dinner together in a hurry, this is about as easy as it gets. White wine, garlic, and oregano give this chicken great flavor." 

I may say this is totally true; ask even my 12-year old 'independent', quite pretentious, healthy eater:)




I am always entertained when I watch her TV show. I have her recipe books which are often used. In other words, I am her fan (don't like the word "fan" though). I love her style, especially this delicate bland of versatility and simplicity. Not to mention the elegant parties she throws, which I find very inspiring.
So, you can see the recipe of Lemon Chicken Breasts  here. 
It turned out just like the picture in the book and hopefully, it tasted like Ina's too:) 
This chicken is a wonderful comfort food, soft with crispy skin and delicious lemon taste. Most importantly, this recipe is made in a reasonable amount of time with simple ingredients.   

            
And for dessert my son and I chose Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies . He helped me with the final part and with the tasting, of course. This is another easy recipe with a very delicious outcome. 

 To make 18 sandwich cookie I needed :
1/2 cup  finely ground hazelnuts 
3/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature 
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
chocolate hazelnut spread , such as Nutella
The dough is prepared as the shortbread cookie's dough. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges of the cookies begin to brown. Allow to cool and then spread the Nutella on the flat side of each solid    cookie . Dust lightly with confectioner's sugar .
The shortbread can be baked in advance, wrapped with plastic,  and then filled with Nutella just before serving .


Isn't it EASY?




Bone Appetit!
                                               Thank you for the visit , Dear Friend!


                                               I am anticipating your SWEET notes.
        




I particularly prepared this post for Lynn's wonderful party
  Celebrity Cook-Along