So much wine, so little time

The week unfolded as predicted. The reunion picnic in Oregon was smaller than usual, and it took some coaxing to get some folks to sign on to the council to keep the organization going. The Kirkwood branch has always been seen as 'tagging along' at the end, and there were not many in attendance this year. We are thinking about having a get-together here some time in October to see if we can get a few more to join the fun.

We spent two days in the wine country with Jeff and Bev. Needless to say, it was pretty hot, but we pressed on. We did happen on a case sale at Claar Cellars, so added a case of cabernet. It was inexpensive so we can drink it at will without fretting over the price.

I couldn't resist the fresh produce in eastern Washington so came home with a box of peaches and tomatoes. Most of the tomatoes will be frozen, and I'll probably make chutney or jam with the peaches. I'm not set up to do full blown canning, and I'm not sure it is worth the investment for the amount I would do.

Mike and Mary are coming over next week end. It is great timing because Mary is a 'garage-sailor' and next Saturday is the annual Steilacoom town-wide garage sale. They should get here about noon on Friday and will go home on Sunday.

Then the following Wednesday, my friend Karen will be here for two days of quilting. Well she will sew and quilt, and I'll prepare meals and keep the wine poured. We have embarked on a Christmas wall hanging and now that I have most of my fabrics, I need her to make it beautiful. I can't resist the fabrics, and I have several projects ready to be made into something, but I never seem to get started.

Ken received a call out of blue this week from an Army buddy when in Germany - oh about 45 years ago. This man lives in Illinois but had driven through Davenport several times and was never able to find anyone who knew where Ken was. While watching the news of the fires here in Washington, this man decided to turn to the internet - and found us. It is a small world.

We have become enamored with Croatia, and have suggested to Jeff and Bev that we visit next year. Ken worked with a young woman at Western State who is of Croatian heritage, and has been there to visit several times. So we had her here for dinner last night. She came with a video of her friend's wedding in Croatia, and another video that gives an overview of the country. The Dalmantian Coast is beautiful, and she said there are hundreds of beautiful islands as well.

Here is the chicken dish I served:

8 chicken breasts, halved and skinned
1 8 oz pkg of cream cheese
1/2 cup fresh herbs (I used parsley, thyme, sage, and chives) finely chopped
1 clove garlic
1 cup white wine such as a chenin blanc

Combine the cheese and herbs and chill.

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Roll 1/8 of the cream cheese mixture into each breast and secure with a toothpick.

Brown the breasts quickly in some butter and olive oil. Set aside, drain the fat, and deglaze the pan with the white wine. Stir in the garlic. Place browned chicken breasts back into the wine mixture, cover with foil and place in a 300 degree oven for about 1 hour.

Some of the cheese will ooze out and it will look curdled. Just give the wine a whisk to blend the cheese and pour over the chicken breasts to serve.

All is well.

Ciao