Chicken in Tarragon Cream Sauce, White and Wild Rice with Walnuts

Ingredients

• 1 package, 5 to 7 ounces, white and wild rice (recommended: Uncle Ben's or Near East brands) cooked to package directions -- either chicken or herb flavors are fine
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
• Salt and pepper
• 4 pieces, 8 ounces each, boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, eyeball it
• 1/4 cup water, eyeball it
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, half-and-half or 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup, 1 (2-ounce) package chopped walnuts, available on baking aisle, toasted
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
• Edible flowers (available in produce section with herbs) for garnish

Directions

Cook rice according to package directions.

Preheat extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown and cook chicken, 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken to a plate and cover. Reduce heat a bit. Add vinegar and water, scrape up pan drippings. Stir in tomato paste, cream, half-and-half or sour cream and tarragon. Remove from heat.

Toss nuts and parsley with cooked rice. Slice chicken on an angle and arrange on a bed of rice. Top with sauce and serve. Garnish plate with edible flowers and tarragon.