A Dove Moment

Hello Viewers! I have another recipe for you!

How often have you come home and had the arduous task of trying to find something for dinner? The proverbial question of what sounds good is asked to everyone and the common answer is the Neanderthal stare and a grunted answer: "Food". The recipe that often comes to my mind as being stupendously easy and always favorable is my Dijon Chicken and Couscous. The sauce, the Dijon mustard cream, is so smooth and adventurous; the flavors something that you can't simply eat, but something you have to taste. It's a great compliment to the chicken and couscous. (If you are wondering what couscous is, it is very similar to a noodle. Couscous are like tiny balls of noodle that have a somewhat earthy taste. It cooks in 5 minutes and can honestly be served with anything. It's usually by the rice in the grocery stores.) Overall, this dish is absolutely one of my favorites. I have served it to my family on several occasions and they ALWAYS go back for seconds. I don't think you would regret trying it either!
BUT WAIT! What would a blog post of mine be without something inspirational to it?

When I was at the Tea House one day I was listening as my boss, Audrey, introduced the menu to the guests. She had explained the courses and teas when she reached the end of the menu and had everyone pause. She went on to explain to them that they were about to embark on a Dove moment. Audrey told them a Dove moment was a moment to stop what we were doing, what we were thinking, and what we were feeling and to simply be still. We so often lose our understanding of what a hug feels like and what a piece of chocolate really taste like because we have all these distractions running around our minds at full speed keeping us out of the moment. Sometimes we need to take a moment to be still.
As Audrey continued, she had the guests admire the blue of the wrapper and the shimmer as the light hit the foil as they slowly opened the sweet candy and admired the chocolate in their fingers. They were to imagine the taste of the Dove, the smooth texture as it melted on their tongues, and the creamy sensation as they swallowed. The guests had to savor the anticipation of the chocolate in their mouths.
They were then instructed to slowly bite into the chocolate and think about the flavor they were experiencing. They let the chocolate melt slowly on their tongues or chewed it almost ceremonisouly as to not waste the moment they were in. They simply enjoyed the creamy texture and taste of the Dove. When the last bit was gone they guests opened their eyes and made exclamations of it being the best chocolate they had ever tasted. These people had just been reminded of the beauty of a peaceful moment and of the fantastic taste of chocolate.
I encourage you to have a Dove moment of peace as you create the recipe below or as you go about making your own dinner. Listen to the sound of the food sizzling, the smell of dinner wafting from the oven, and the explosion of flavor as you take the first bite. Enjoy the moments you have as you cook dinner for your family and think about the lives you are supporting as they sit around the table. They are the reason every meal you make and every question you ask about what sounds good for dinner is not vain. Overall, put your guard down, let your hair loose, and stop thinking about your worries. Let God tell you who you are and what you are worth. And maybe for desert you can have a Dove chocolate to top it all off. God Bless. Happy dinner making.

Until Next Time,

Carissa



Dijon Chicken and Couscous

4 ServingsPrep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/8 teaspoon pepper
COUSCOUS:
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Directions

 Place chicken in an ungreased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Pour wine over chicken; sprinkle with tarragon and pepper. Cover and bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 170°. Remove chicken and keep warm, reserving the pan juices.

For couscous, in a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in the
couscous, butter, bouillon granules and tarragon. Remove from the
heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until liquid is
absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and salt
until smooth; gradually add milk and pan juices. Bring to a boil;
cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the
heat; stir in sour cream and mustard. Serve with chicken and
couscous.
Yield: 4 servings.