Monday, January 18, 2010

Stuffed Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon

Chop and drain (and blot with paper towels) sundried tomatoes in oil, and dice up some garlic.

Slice Gruyere (or whatever cheese appeals to you) to fit into a large breast (so big, we split it).
Saute the garlic. Mix with the tomatoes once done.
Stuff breast with cheese and tomato/garlic mixture. Pin closed with minimal amount of toothpicks. I used one. Wrap breast in bacon (4 slices were right for this beast of a breast). Again, try to pin minimally (since you will have to fish them out later).
Heat your pan (with cover) on medium/medium-low.
I used a small amount of olive oil to coat (or a spray) and add the breast once the pan is heated.
Mostly cover with lid to prevent spattering and to help cook the thick breast. Set a timer to three minutes and don't attempt to budge it until then or else the bacon will stick.
If the bacon sticks, give it more time. Flip then cook another 3.
At this point I stop timing but try to cook up the sides so the bacon is crisped on all edges. Think lots of flipping and waiting a minute or two at a time.
A ridiculous upright frying position.
Plated up and ready to eat!
Accompanied by rice pilaf (1/2 package of Near East) and from the freezer Birdseye mixed veg.
We always love to have some Cavit Pinot Grigio with our dinner.
The tester approves!
The aftermath.

Chicken, Provolone, Pesto and Pepper Panini

This sandwich is very much open to interpretation and what you have on hand. I did make a special trip to the supermarket to buy Pastene jarred pesto. I have never gone this route but at $3.79 vs. $5.99 for "fresh", it was delicious and doable.
Fire up the press.
Spray cooking spray on outer pieces of bread (we used Scali).
Spread thin layer on mayo on inner sides. Spread pesto over that.
Top one side with sliced deli chicken and top with kalamata olives (no olives for Alex) and banana pepper rings.
Top with slices of provolone cheese then sliced pepperoni. Note: most pepperonis can but super fatty so microwave for 30 sec. on doubled over paper towels to extract it.
Put on the press and cook until the cheese it oozing and delicious!
This reminded us of a calzone, it was so good.