Can she cook?

This is the question I've often imagined a man's mother asking about me.  Or about any of us, really.  So you met a girl?  She's a nice girl?  She's from a nice family?  Can she cook?  Yes, something like that.  A sort of make-shift version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding happening in the homes of a man when they tell their mothers that they have met a woman.  There is no shame in it, really; we all have questions, excitements, raised eyebrows, skepticisms, etc, when we hear of a family member meeting a potential mate.  One of my dearest, although anonymous for these purposes, friends has a new man in her life.  So, naturally, they came over for dinner.  And, as I got ready for, cooked and hosted, I found myself trying to impress him.  As if my friend has brought this man to my house for a home-cooked meal in order to answer his mother should she ever ask "Can she cook?"


Menu:
Chicken Provencal (#172)
String beans with sauteed radishes (#173)

yum.

Much effort went into a simple menu, - not too showy and difficult, and yet, chicken breast always seems to go over the line in my kitchen between perfect and too dry.  This time, my dear friends, for I think the first time, it worked.  It was cooked through and as moist as could be.  But that isn't even the best part.


Cooked radishes are a revelation.  Yes, they are.  And the easiest thing to make ever.  Follow these steps and discover your newest favoritest vegetable:
1.  Buy, wash and slice ends off radishes.
2.  Cut into quarters.
3.  Blanche in boiling water until the red skin turns pink.
4.  Saute in a tablespoon of olive oil until soft and the slightest browned edges.
5.  Enjoy.


I think the evening went well for impressing the new man.  Then again, he impressed me too.  Obviously he must be someone extra special to get to hang out with she-who-shall-not-be-named.  


127 to go...