2 pounds or 3 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breast, sliced in serving pieces, 1/4” thick

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup dried parsley (add more if needed)

1/2 cup bread crumbs

oil for searing

Sauce:

1/4 cup finely chopped onions

10 pieces button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/2 cup water

1 egg

1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream

Garnishing:

3 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips

fresh parsley

Methods:<D>

1. In a bowl or pan, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the parsley and bread crumbs and mix to blend the ingredients.

2. In a non-stick skillet heat the oil to medium hot. Sear both sides of the chicken slices until  light golden. Do not overcrowd the chicken pieces when searing. It takes a minute to sear one side.

3. Transfer the chicken to a platter after searing.

4. In the same skillet saut? the mushrooms quickly. Add the water and simmer. Whisk the egg and cream together to make egg liaison. Add this to the simmering water. Return the seared chicken to the simmering sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until cooked. Garnish and serve hot.

Household Hints:

Mother’s Day is always a very special occasion, and we all take that extra step to thank our moms in so many ways, and in our own unique ways.  No matter how simple or complex your ideas in making her happy on her special day, one truth remains – that she will always appreciate anything you do out of love. The following are just some ideas that you can draw from.

1. Do not let her cook that day. Instead, buy her favorite food from her favorite restaurant; or better still, you can order from my carry-out. Ask the chef to prepare something unique, but delicious and healthy. Join her for a delightful and enjoyable meal. Do not let her lift a finger – just let  her sit, relax and enjoy the day. Wash the dishes and tidy up her house yourself. Eating in an informal manner, that is, using disposable plates, etcetera, you can concentrate on having quality time with her. Talk to her, reminisce and let her feel the warmth of your love.

2. Buy nice and unique flowers without over-budgeting. But in the same token, just picking up a bunch of flowers and writing on a card to go with it is not the way to go either.  Instead, drop by a nice flower shop and pick out several flowers that are different, but which harmonizes with each other. Get a simple vase and choose nice leaves also to match.  Utilize the florists expertise. You will be surprised how much she can be of great help with this regard. Bring the flowers to your mom’s house and arrange them there so you can have more time with her.  Let her choose a place to put your flower arrangement. As a crowning gesture of your affection, pick one very special flower to hand her.

Kissing her hand in the process not only shows a sign of respect and good upbringing, but lets her know also how much you love her. By no means you are overacting. Quite to the contrary – for love knows no bounds. Don’t forget to hug her and tell her how much you love her. This will quite make  up for those lost moments with your mom.

Being a professional culinary artist myself, I can give you several more ideas, but my space is so limited. Just call me at (703) 528-0300.

Editor’s note:  Mrs. Evelyn S. Bunoan is Owner/Master Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli (with more than 25 years of  service to the  Filipino-American community) - 3610 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia;  (703)528-0300;  Master Chef (French cuisine), Le Cordon Bleu, London, UK;  recipe creator, improviser, and food stylist and writer;  kitchen-tested and mastered more than 300 recipes, and counting.<D>