Ah, Rome.  During my time in Southern Italy after culinary school, I traveled via train from Sorrento to Rome a total of four times.  The first magical time was with my sister Mary Lauren and her wonderful friend Sarah; the second time was on my own (in awe of my first visit with more wandering in mind); the third again by myself, but on a mission to see a fabulous Cubism exhibit close to the Colosseum; and the fourth, once my husband Scott and I had our two week voyage from the south of Italy to the North.

My time in Rome, and my time in Italy in general, are just the tip of the iceberg for how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to experience all that have to this point.  Four times in the unique city of Rome are just not enough.  Even after exploring it as I have so far, there is much more to see and I truly hope to be able to go back and explore further.  For now, I am busy cooking like I am still in Italy. For example, this simple recipe I came across in a Good Housekeeping cookbook that I adore.  A simple saute of chicken tenderloins, cherry tomatoes and artichoke hearts in white wine, olive oil and chicken broth.  To add some aditional flavor and color, I added fresh basil and some briny, black olives.  Perfect when served with a simple side dish of your favorite pasta, and a healthy saute of greens or steamed broccolini.  Viva Italia!  (and all of the experiences and food that that remarkable country, and life in general, have to offer.)

(To view this recipe, click on the following link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a9281/chicken-artichokes-dinner-recipe/)

Tagged: artichoke hearts, artichokes, chicken, chicken saute, chicken stock, chicken tenderloins, fresh basil, Italy, Roman, Rome, white wine