Chicken Breasts With Butternut Squash And Candied Pecans Food

CHICKEN BREASTS WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Prepare the squash: Place the squash on a flat surface and split it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Cut each piece in half, lengthwise, again to form 4 smaller "wedges". Arrange flesh side up in a single layer on a tinfoil-lined baking sheet.
• Cook the squash: Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to brown and smell nutty. Remove from the heat and immediately pour over the squash sections. Sprinkle the squash with salt, ginger, cloves and brown sugar. Pour a little water in the bottom of the baking sheet, cover the tray with aluminum foil, seal the edges tightly, and bake, undisturbed, for 35-40 minutes or until completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Remove from the oven. Carefully remove foil. Cool.
• Make the maple glaze: In a small pot, combine the orange zest, red wine vinegar and the maple syrup. Simmer over medium heat 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
• Candy the pecans: Heat the sugar in a small skillet over medium heat until it melts and browns, 5-10 minutes. Add in the pecans and swirl coat with the sugar. Spoon the nuts onto a baking sheet with parchment pushing them apart with a fork, being careful not to touch them as the sugar will be very hot. Season with salt and let cool.
• Prepare and cook the chicken cutlets: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with oregano and salt. Put the eggs in one bowl and spread the breadcrumbs mixed with the ground pecans into a shallow bowl or cake pan. Dip each piece of chicken liberally in the egg (on both sides), shake off any excess egg and then coat the chicken with the pecan breadcrumbs. Shake any excess crumbs off each one. Arrange them on a baking sheet fitted with parchment.
• Cook the chicken cutlets: Heat the canola oil in a large, oven-proof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cutlets to hot oil and cook in a single , 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Turn over and cook 5-7 additional minutes or until that side is golden brown. Place the pan in the oven and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F on a food thermometer, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven.
• Serve the dish: Arrange arugula, chicken, squash and candied pecans on a serving platter. Coat squash with some of the maple glaze. Top with the parsley leaves (if desired) and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PECANS AND CURRANTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the squash in two at the base of the neck, discarding the hollow bulb end or reserving for another use. Peel the rest and slice into 1/2-inch disks. Toss the squash in a large roasting pan with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, thyme and salt and pepper to taste, and arrange in a single layer. Roast the squash, turning once halfway through, until tender and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, combine garlic and one tablespoon of the remaining olive oil. Sauté until fragrant and tender, about one minute. Add pecans and sugar, and toss until the sugar has melted and the pecans are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk the vinegar into the remaining olive oil. Add the pecan mixture, currants and chili flakes. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Arrange the squash on a warm platter and top with some or all of the dressing.

CREAMY CHICKEN, SQUASH & PECAN PASTA

Steps:

• Pour the stock into a pan and bring to a simmer. Add the squash and chicken, cover and bubble gently for 15 mins, or until the chicken and squash are cooked. If the chicken cooks first, remove from the pan, set aside and keep boiling the squash until tender. Scoop the squash out with a slotted spoon, leaving just the stock in the pan.
• Bring the stock back to the boil and add the pasta; the liquid should just cover the pasta. Cook, stirring regularly, until the pasta is just tender and most of the stock has been absorbed (top up with water if necessary). Shred the chicken.
• Return the squash to the pan and add the cream cheese, pecans, parsley and parmesan. Simmer for another min or two, then add the chicken. Season and serve with extra parmesan, if you like.