Ginger-Honey Walnuts

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

1 small clove garlic, grated

1/2 cup walnut halves

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

 

Lemon Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts (see note)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 clove garlic, grated

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons honey

1 thinly sliced scallion (about 1 tablespoon, green part only)

 

To make the walnuts, place the oil, ginger, and garlic in a small skillet. Slowly heat over medium-low until the garlic sizzles. Add the walnuts and honey. Cook on medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the temperature until the honey boils and sticks to the walnuts and the walnuts turn golden. Sprinkle with the salt, adjusting to taste. Transfer to a side dish or a sheet of aluminum foil. Do not put on paper towels because they will stick. With a sharp knife, fillet the chicken breasts through the thickest part to make 8 cutlets. Place them on a large piece of plastic wrap, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap, and gently but firmly pound the chicken with a meat pounder or the underside of a small, heavy skillet to make fillets of even thickness of 1/4 to 1/3 inch. Spread the flour on a large plate and lightly dredge the cutlets; shake off the excess flour. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, broad skillet until hot enough to sizzle. Add the cutlets a few at a time and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. As the cutlets are cooked, transfer to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the oil in the skillet and let the skillet cool slightly. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Heat and stir over medium-low heat just until the garlic sizzles. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and honey. Heat, stirring to loosen any browned bits in the skillet, for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture boils and thickens. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the walnuts and the scallions.