Fresh Market Demo
This past weekend I did my monthly food demo at the local Fresh Market. Fresh Market is small chain of upscale gourmet grocery stores. I have to say that they have some of the best looking produce I see around in my area. When I was there this past weekend I saw the most amazing pyramid of fresh unblemished artichokes. The whole time I was doing my demo I had visions in my head of buying three or four of those strking artichokes and taking them home with me. Of course, as soon as my demo was over I dashed out of there without the artichokes.

This weekend I demonstrated Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Chicken. It's what I call a basic "dump" recipe. This is not a culinary term don't freak out. It's a term that denotes opening cans and jars and dumping into a pan or pot to create a very simple meal. I grew up in the 60s and many recipes were like that then. Thankfully we have stepped it up a bit and have changed the quality of items that we "dump". Below you will find the recipe.

Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Chicken
4 Boneless Fresh Market skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper for seasoning
(2) Cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup your favorite white wine
1/2 (14 ounces) can of San Marzano diced tomatoes with juices
¼ cup prepared Bella Cucina sun dried tomato pesto
1 (14 ounces) can of Progresso Artichoke hearts (quartered)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet on a medium high heat, and add the olive oil till just smoking. Place chicken in the skillet and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Put garlic in the pan, and sear, till aromas begin to release, this will happen quickly, maybe just a minute or so, and garlic turns golden brown. Take pan AWAY from the heat and add the wine. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let wine reduce for about 1 minute.
Pour tomatoes into pan, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in pesto and artichokes. Return chicken to the pan, and cover. Lower heat to medium low, and continue until chicken in finished cooking through, approximately 10 minutes.