Chicken Piccata

This recipe is inspired by the Intellectual dimension of wellness.

Intellectual wellness depends on a daily habit of choosing to nurture your intellect by feeding it material that expands your vocabulary and world view in addition to challenging and engaging your higher level thinking skills. Ultimately, this daily habit will allow your brain and your mind to work better for you.

“The greatest story of all is Colonel Sanders. He didn’t start until he was sixty-six on a freeway bypass for his chicken shop. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” - Robert Kiyosaki

I remember as a child how my father would make me sit next to him and watch shows about history on public television. I absolutely hated anything that stretched my brain as I was creative and preferred sitting in my bedroom listening and singing along to my favorite rock bands. It wasn't until recently that I have been able to reflect on how special that time was sitting with my father and how much he wanted me to expand my learning.

Now, I believe my father would have been so proud of me knowing that at 45 years old, I went back to school to obtain a college degree. Certainly, going back to school in my forties was not the easiest thing to do, but it was so rewarding.

“No one makes progress by standing in the same place.”

I remember the first time I met my husband. I didn't really know or understand his business, so I thought I should research his company for conversation sake. Then, on our very first date, I rattled off information pertaining to his company. He will tell you that I was certainly the only woman he dated who enjoyed conversing about his business and that that’s when he knew he would marry me. That experience with my husband got me thinking how important it is to learn new things, not just to get a date (haha) but so that you can become a better conversationalist. When you learn new information, you can expand your knowledge and mind capacity…at any age! You become more interesting and well-rounded so relating with others becomes easier. Likewise, becoming a more interesting person will draw others to you and improve your quality of life. Another interesting fact about learning new things is that it fights boredom. Doing the same thing over and over again can quickly become monotonous, but learning a new skill breaks that cycle. Further, when learning something new, your mind and your perceptions change which in turn makes it easier for you to adapt to change. Adapting to change is a skill, and the more varied your life experiences are, the easier it is to adapt with them. Lastly, and most importantly for my senior population, learning new things may ward off dementia. People who are life-long learners are less likely to develop dementia because they don’t give their brains the chance to diminish and continue to expand neuro-pathways and new impulses. My grandmother was a great example of this because she always kept her brain sharp. I remember, up until the day she died, she would do the Tribune crossword puzzles every day - one crossword each morning before starting her day. My grandmother was as sharp as they come! So, stay curious and learn new things every day. With access to the Internet, there is no excuse not to google a subject you’re unfamiliar with or flip on the History channel, or better yet, pick up a book about something new! Like me, you’re never too old to take a class on something that interests you, learn a new language, or even learn how to play an instrument. Whatever interests you, get out there and do it! Your brain will thank you!

Recipe of the Day: Chicken Piccata

INGREDIENTS

• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• All-purpose flour, for dredging

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup chicken stock

• 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.

2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes.

3. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.

4. Add the lemon juice, stock and capers into the pan. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter.

5. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!