The beginning of the year always seems like a fresh start and a time full of possibilities. Not only is the vineyard beginning a new cycle for the 2023 vintage, but it also feels like a fresh start for all of us. Many of you have probably set goals, made new plans, and are vowing to do the year better.
Personally, I often avoid this endeavor. I am a bit of a perfectionist. I labor over what I really want to achieve and the ideal way to get there. Consequently, I may not even get started. What if it’s the wrong goal or the wrong plan to achieve it? What if I can’t stay committed? But really, there is no perfect plan, none of us are perfect, and there is no way to achieve these perfect outcomes. All we can do is give ourselves some grace, the freedom to tackle one tiny step at a time, and a fresh start as often as necessary.
So, what does this year bring you? A new, healthy habit? A fun hobby? An exciting adventure? A renewed commitment to connect with friends and family? Whatever you want to achieve, may you find continued hope in the possibilities presented throughout the whole year.
Cheers to you and 2023!
Chicken Piccata with Zesty Chardonnay Sauce
Using our Scottsdale Chardonnay
What You’ll Need:
6 6 oz chicken breasts
1 C all-purpose flour
6 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp olive oil
Juice from 1½ lemons
½ C chicken stock
3 Tbsp capers
¼ C fresh chopped parsley
1 C chardonnay
How to Make It:
Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and pound chicken to a thin and uniform thickness.
Salt and pepper all breasts on both sides.
Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
Place chicken in flour one breast at a time and coat both sides, remove excess and place into hot pan and cook for three minutes or until browned. Turn breasts over and cook an additional three minutes or until browned. (Do not over crowd the pan. Depending on the size of your pan, you may have to do this in a couple stages.) When browned on both sides, remove and place on a plate. Continue until all breasts are browned.
In the pan add chicken stock, lemon juice, and chardonnay, then bring to a boil. While boiling, scrape bottom of pan with wooden spoon to remove any browned bits, as this adds flavor.
Place all chicken breasts back in pan and allow to simmer 3-4 minutes. Rinse capers under water and add to the pan along with chicken.
Place the chicken on a serving plate, top with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
When I look back on the past year, I cannot help but reflect on the many changes and blessings that 2022 brought me. A few moments stick out to me the most. In 2022 I completed my bachelor’s degree, moved into a sweet new home, and had dinner with my parents one unexpecting night in September. Though this may not seem significant, what was just a nice evening out turned into one of the most influential moments of my year and those to come. That night over dinner, my parents asked me to join the family business as our Wine Club Manager. After discussions of what this would mean for the business, and most importantly for our family, we decided that the timing was just right. That being said, I am so excited for this journey ahead with each of you.
As we enter the new year, I am beyond grateful, not only for the opportunity to serve you, our wonderful members, but also to work side-by-side with my parents, Grandma, and our amazing team. Whatever you are looking forward to this year, I hope we can help you celebrate every special occasion and accomplishment with a glass of your favorite Harney Lane wine. Cheers!
Kirsten Lerner, Wine Club Manager
