Lost in Lost

Do three people count as a dinner party? I say, yes. Last night, was the 2-hour season premier of Lost. I've never seen the show; I don't really have an interest in the show; and I didn't plan on watching the show on premier night. For Charlsie and Adam on the other hand, that was their plan all day. They are obsessed with this show. Apparently, if you are a fan of Lost, you have to watch each eppisode with other fans because it's so crazy and hard to follow. So, they decided to watch Lost together and talk about what was happening just as it was happening. As I said before, I had no interest in watching it. So what did I do? Made dinner, of course.

For some odd reason, I had been thinking about chicken all day. I usually don't think about chicken as a selection for dinner, but it was on my brain so I went with it. I found a recipe online and thought it sounded perfect for my mini dinner party. My favorite recipes are the ones where either I have all the ingredients in my refrigerator and cupboard or my grocery store stop is less than 7 minutes. Luckily, this recipe fit into the 7 minute or less category. Paired with a simple side salad and a glass of wine, and you had yourself a fantastic quick supper to enjoy in front of the TV.

While my guests were watching the recap show before the big premier, I was busy in the kitchen cooking. I didn't mind the isolation because I had my music and the dogs to keep me company. During commercial breaks, Charlsie and Adam hung around the kitchen discussing what had just happened and speculating about what might happen after the break. Finally, after what seemed like hours of cooking, dinner was ready, and the Lost fanatics we so focused on the show that I almost had to drag them out of their comfy chairs to fix their plates, but ultimitely, the smell of the spicy chicken casserole got them moving to the kitchen and the show on pause.

After the meal and right in the middle of the show, I cleared the tray tables and proceded to do the dishes. Since I was completely unattached to Lost and it's premier, I didn't mind at all. I think my guests felt a little guily, but truthfully, I kind of enjoyed myself. Michael Buble entertained the chef, and a TV show entertained the guests. Although I've never seen the show, I felt that it was an occasion, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to throw a party, mini or otherwise.

Chicken Salsa Verde Bake
Adapted from Ashley Moore

1 tbs. olive oil
1-1 lb. package boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1-16 oz. jar salsa verde
1-15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 c. light sour cream
1 1/2 c. crushed tortilla chips (I made my own)
1/2 bag of low-fat Mexican cheese blend

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand until cool, then shred the meat into a large bowl. Stir in the salsa, kidney beans, onion and sour cream.

Grease an 8X8-inch baking dish, scatter a thin layer of tortilla chips on the bottom and top with half of the chicken mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers and cover with the remaining tortilla chips. Bake until the cheese is bubbly, about 30 minutes.