GOODNESS
Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!

Rosemary: This piney herb adds great flavor to many meats, but the surprise is how good it is for you. It has anti-inflammatory chemicals, making it useful in the treatment of liver and heart disease as well as asthma. It seems to have some potent anti-tumor properties and has been researched for its use against breast, colon and skin cancer. Although still being researched, it may be a useful tonic for the brain and has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid strong tinctures of rosemary if you are pregnant.

Thyme: This aromatic herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and contains thymol, a well-known antiseptic (you might be gargling with it). It's good for the digestion and is supposed to have some aphrodisiac qualities, although that just may be be due to the well-known connection between love and good food.
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Recipe

Chicken Breasts Cooked in Olive Oil With Anchovy-Parmesan Dressing

serves
prep time: 30

ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups extra virgin olive oil, more if needed
  • 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3 rosemary sprigs
  • 1/2 bunch thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 5 anchovy fillets
  • 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste
  • Salad greens, for serving.

directions

Season chicken well with salt and pepper. In a very large skillet or stock pot with a lid, heat oil over medium heat with half the garlic and all the shallots, rosemary, thyme and crushed red pepper flakes until oil reaches 175 degrees. There will be small bubbles on surface and around garlic.

When oil comes up to temperature, carefully slip in the chicken cutlets, making sure they are submerged in oil (add more oil if necessary and heat until it comes up to 175 degrees). Cover skillet or pot and turn heat off.

Let chicken rest for 10 minutes. Make a small cut into middle of a cutlet. If chicken is not done, turn heat back on and let temperature rise to 175 degrees. Turn heat off, cover pot and let rest for another minute or so until meat is cooked through. Drain chicken on paper towels; remove cooked garlic, shallots, herbs and red pepper flakes from oil and discard.

Prepare dressing by mincing anchovies and remaining garlic and mixing them together with a large pinch of salt until you get a rough paste. Put paste in bowl and whisk in the parmesan, lemon juice and another pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil from pan. Taste and add more lemon juice or salt, or both, if needed.

Serve chicken over a bed of greens drizzled with anchovy dressing.