README Today's Meal: Black Pepper Chicken Pasta with Pear Salad

One of the perks of having your own place with a functional kitchen is more home-cooked meals. The fact that I have not sent Fabian hanging over the sink trying to regurgitate our dinners so far probably means I am doing not too bad (either that or it's because Dudok Cafe closed down and he does not have anywhere else nearby to eat).

Since I usually come up with something new each time depending on what's in the fridge (or what's available fresh at the GK Supermarket), I think it's a good idea to start writing the recipes down....in case I might want to cook them again.... haha....and of course, to share them with whoever brave enough to try. :) Here's the first one, dinner for today. Please note that measurements are approximate only....cooking is always an experiment and taste differ from person to person.

Bon Appetit!

Black Pepper Chicken Pasta (serves 2)

Main Ingredients:
One whole chicken breast meat - boneless
Garlic
Red bell pepper
Fresh or dry mushrooms (if dry, soak until soft)
Pasta (whatever type you fancy)

Seasoning:
Bottled black pepper sauce
Black pepper
Soy Sauce (light)
Salt to taste
Fresh herbs or dry bottled herbs
Olive oil

Method:
1. Clean and dry chicken breast.
2. Season chicken with black pepper sauce and soya sauce. Leave in fridge for at least 4 hours, if possible.
3. After chicken has been marinated, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. This is to prevent chicken drying out when grilling. It also gives the meat a nice brown tint.
4. Grill chicken breast in oven (150-200degC) for about 45-60mins or until thoroughly cooked.
5. Remove chicken from oven and allow to cool down. Set aside.

6. Meanwhile, boil pasta in lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Chopped and crush some garlic - about 4-5 tablespoons of chopped garlic. You can have more if you like.
8. Cut red bell pepper into strips.
9. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, sautee garlic until brown. Add bell pepper and chopped mushrooms.
10. Pour sauteed mixture onto boiled pasta. Add some salt, black pepper and herbs. Mix well.
11. Thinly slice grilled chicken and sprinkle on top of pasta before serving.

Pear Salad (serves 2)

Main Ingredients:
1 pear - slice into chunky pieces. Rinse with some lemon juice or lightly salted water to prevent oxidation (browning)
A handful of sultanas/raisins
1 small potato - boiled and cut into small pieces
1 small shallot - thinly sliced (you may leave this out if you don't fancy raw onions, but I like the slight 'kick' it gives the salad :))

Dressing:
Oilve oil
Brown sugar
Salad cream (just a little bit for taste. Alternatively you may substitute this with fresh lemon juice)

Method:
Well...it's a salad. Mix everything in and toss well.