Rolling Solo

It sometimes seems that my blog self is a mythical self.

You see, it may appear that festive, abundant, exciting homecooked dinners are shared by candlelight with The Husband every evening and that a team of cleaning elves and fairies swoop in and tidy my kitchen up.

Not so, dear readers. It’s just not so.

In actuality, Susan is rocking it out home alone what feels like 24-7 some weeks.

No, no. The Husband does not have a glamorous jet-setting world traveling career as a spy or pilot or kung-fu master or corporate CEO/buyer person like Richard Gere in “Pretty Woman” that transports him to fabulous destinations outside of Hammonton.

He is a newspaper editor.

And it seems the same thing happened at both of our journalism schools back in the day. They totally failed to tell us that our hours would basically suck ass. Because, maybe I would have done something else in addition to my journalism and musical studies if I had known that a typical workday could/would begin at 9 a.m. and end at midnight.

Yeah. I’m kidding myself. I was destined to be a Macy’s salesgirl, newspaper editor and piano teacher, all overlapping and in that order. It’s in my lifeline.

So, when The Husband and the Jersey Girl first got together and fell all madly in love and all that we were united, a sort of kindred spirit if you will, in the reality of an uber bizarro work schedule.

We worked holidays. And seriously. Working holidays is made of evilness.

And, we worked weekends – and evenings. We still do this. We both work Sundays. In fact, my piano studio is completely booked 9 to 5 on Sundays, in case you were interested in lessons. And the evening thing. Well. That’s pretty much why yours truly is home alone into the wee hours of the night imagining the elaborate dinners I am making for The Husband and our imaginary children who have not been brought here yet by the Baby Stork. (Get your ass moving, Mr. Stork). My day usually wraps at 9 p.m. But, The Husband’s day – it’s all over the joint. I never know when he’s coming and going many days. And so many times, I dine alone.

So, it is with great joy I bring you a Single Girl Meal: Balsamic Chicken Tenders over Baby Greens with Goat Cheese.

In actuality, The Husband would love my salad. In fact, he took the leftovers for lunch today.

Balsamic Chicken Tenders over Baby Greens with Goat Cheese.

1 lb. boneless chicken tenders
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together vinegar, oil, rosemary, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Place tenders in bowl and toss. Let marinate for about 15 minutes.

Preheat grill pan over medium heat. Grill chicken tenders until cooked through, about 5 minutes on both sides. Set aside.

To make salad:

Baby salad greens, or your favorite lettuces
½ red bell pepper, chopped
Few slices of red onion
Goat cheese, crumbled

Place all ingredients except for goat cheese in a bowl.

To make dressing:
(Enough for 1 serving. You may double quantities if you are serving more people.)

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.

To assemble:

Place salad mixture in a bowl or on a plate. Pour dressing over greens. Toss. Place 2 or 3 chicken tenders on top. Scatter with goat cheese.

Eat in glorious solitude.