An Early St. Patrick Celebration

Top of the Mornin' to Ya! These little guys had a blast at our Pre-St. Patrick's Day Sunday Dinner. I think it is supposed to represent Mom, me, and my son..... Kind of a motley crew here, actually. I made the usual salad with green peas, almonds, scallions, and craisins... plus lots of cheese and a few black olives. I love to make these thinner salads with lots of goodies on top.

Our tablescape was a bit eclectic today. A little blue onion, a little holiday (er... Christmas holiday), and the main effect was the pretty pink placemats and Briar Rose antique plates, which I didn't get a good shot.... Trust me, before the food was on the table, it was cool!

I made

Parmesan Chicken Hoagies.

1 large (this one was huge) chicken breast

1/2 c. water

1 c. grated Parmesan Cheese (I just used the kind in the shaker jar)

salt

pepper

1/3 c. ketchup

1/3 c. Italian Dressing

1 T. Italian seasoning

1 t. garlic powder

1/2 stick butter

1/2 c. cooking oil (olive oil works well)

6 Hoagie Rolls

1 can black olives

1 can artichoke hearts

leaf lettuce

cheese

Butterfly the chicken breast and pound thin. Sprinkle both sides of every piece with salt, pepper, and generous layer of Parmesan. Rub in. Cut into bite size pieces and saute in olive oil. Drain and put into baking dish. Mix water, ketchup, salt, pepper, remainder of Parmesan, Italian seasoning and pour over chicken. Bake, covered, for one hour at 350 degrees. Brown drained artichoke hearts in butter and garlic. Toast buns after slicing lengthwise. Layer cheese, lettuce, chicken, sauce, black olives, and artichoke hearts on hoagie bun....

I had made a huge gift of all the "green" I could find from the Men's toiletries, gimmicks, Oriental quick lunches... apple juice.... anything green.... It was a hit!

Have a great week..... I gave Mom a gardening magazine, two Paula Deen candles (they are amazing... and inexpensive at Walmart).... and some cocoa and crackers.... Mom handed out some "greenbacks"..... and it was a great day for Spinner.... Have a good week.