Cooking With Harper
Episode 1
**Harper's Culinary Journey: Daddy's Breaded Chicken**
Episode One: A Delicious Beginning
Harper (my daughter) and I embarked on a culinary adventure and our first stop? None other than her favorite dish—my signature breaded chicken. Now, let me share a little secret: I've never really followed a recipe for this. Why? Well, it's a legacy that harks back to my summers in Italy. Picture me at 13 or 14 (I’ve even given you something to giggle at), visiting my father's side of the family every couple of years. Those summers were a whirlwind of flavors and traditions, and it was there that I learned this cherished recipe from my Nonna.
(A yearbook photo of me when I first went 👉🏻
to the National Ballet School in '92
31 years ago 😳)
I can still vividly recall an afternoon that etched this dish into my memory. We gathered around the dining room table, and my Nonna was cooking up some lunch in the kitchen—breaded chicken sizzling away. Moments later, she emerged with a plate loaded with eight pieces of golden-brown chicken perfection. As we savored our meal, laughter, a cucumber salad, wine, and freshly baked bread formed the backdrop.
At that moment, I was the ravenous growing teenager (you know the type) who couldn't get enough. I tackled my portion of chicken like a machine, leaving a trail of amazement in my wake. With every bite, my family watched in awe, astounded by my insatiable appetite. Little did they know, that feast would mark the beginning of my culinary journey.
The next serving of that delectable meal brought a valuable lesson from Nonna herself. She guided me into her kitchen—declaring, "If you can make this, you can make anything. Cooking is simple... just make sure to have fresh ingredients, lots of love, and empty stomachs."
Since then, I've been dishing out my beloved breaded chicken for Harper, hoping that one day her own culinary curiosity would begin to spark. And it finally happened! As her fascination with food bloomed, we seized the opportunity to embark on this culinary adventure together. There's something magical about crafting a meal with your own hands—something that makes every bite all the more satisfying.
And now, my dear readers, I present to you the culmination of our efforts—an invitation to join us in recreating this timeless recipe. But before you dive in, let me set the stage with the ingredients you'll need:
- 2 Chicken Breasts (always opt for the freshest)
- 2 Eggs (feel free to add a third if they're not jumbo-sized)
- ½ Cup of All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup of Bread Crumbs (I’ve never used Panko for this recipe, but go for it if you want)
- 1 Cup of Grated Parmesan (a true flavor champion)
- 1 Teaspoon of Salt
- 1 Teaspoon of Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon of Dried Oregano
- 1 Tablespoon of Dried Basil
- ⅓ Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
We've documented our culinary journey in a video that captures the essence of this silly experience. Join Harper and me in the kitchen as we slice, dice, and create delicious food together. You'll witness firsthand the joy of cooking as a family, the laughter that accompanies every step, and the sheer delight of savoring the fruits of our labor.
Are you ready to embark on this culinary adventure with us? Don't miss out on the fun—we invite you to watch the video we've created, a window into the world of our breaded chicken masterpiece. Get ready to be inspired (maybe), entertained (definitely), and maybe even a little hungry (hopefully).
Simply click the link below and join us in our kitchen escapade:
We can't wait to share this journey with you, and we hope it brings a smile to your face as much as it did to ours. Until next time, bon appétit! 🍗👨🍳