The Cleveland Cavaliers brought the NBA championship to Cleveland. That 4 plus minutes in the 4th quarter when
neither team scored was almost more than I could take. I watched every minute. When Kyrie Irving swished the 3 point shot I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to believe it but it was so hard. Wasn’t that what the other team always did to us. Then when LeBron James got clobbered, it looked like he was done. Being the true champion that he is, he got up, made a foul shot and defended to bring the championship to Cleveland. What an exciting night!
My blog for today had to be about this great moment! I went online to see what LeBron’s favorite meal is. According to The Daily Meal, LeBron’s favorite food is cereal. Among his absolute favorites are Trix and Honey Oat Granola. There isn’t much of a recipe needed for that–add milk and eat.
LeBron’s personal chef, Glenn Lyman states that James’ favorite pregame meal is chicken and shrimp pasta. I’m going to share a recipe for this meal. Enjoy, and when you eat it–remember, it is the dinner of a champion!
Chicken and Shrimp Pasta with Carbonara Sauce
8 ounces of chicken tenders, cut in strips (available at your local butcher shop)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
2 teaspoons water
6 oz. shrimp
12 oz. pasta of your choice
2 oz. of lean bacon (available at your local meat market)
2 cloves fresh chopped garlic
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced in thin strips
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg beaten (optional)
In bowl 1 combine panko, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper in a bowl, mix well. In bowl 2 combine egg and 2 teaspoons of water and mix well.
Put chicken strips through the dry breading mix, then put them through the egg wash, put them back through the dry breading mix and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Heat 2 Tablespoons of Sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken fingers and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is browned and cooked thoroughly. Set the chicken aside. Cook the shrimp in a small pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp will be pink when done.
Cook the Pasta according to package directions and set aside.
Carbonara Sauce
Put the butter and bacon in a skillet and cook over medium heat until the butter melts. Add garlic and red bell pepper. Saute pepper and the bacon until the bacon is cooked through. Remove bacon from pan and dice. Return bacon to the pan and add heavy cream to the skillet with Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. When the cheese is melted add cooked pasta, remove from heat. If desired, add 1 beaten egg and stir quickly. (the warm pasta will cook the egg)
To serve, place pasta and sauce on the plate. Add a few pieces of chicken tenders and shrimp to each serving. You can garnish with additional cheese and red pepper if desired.
You are going to feel like a championship when you eat this meal! Until next time…From our Butcher Block to your Table.
Adapted from CopyKat recipes.
