Chicken Breast A La Monica

Modern life has become very demanding upon the new generation and its slowly working its way to the Top. We are currently involved in so many projects we feel are important that we are forgetting the biggest project in our lives: Our Family.

I am outraged by families who eat their dinner with their plate in hand watching TV.
Dinner with the family is so important. Its on that exact moment, when we sit down for dinner, that we take time to listen to each other. Its on that moment that I open my eyes to things that are happening in the lives of my children and my loved ones. Its at that very moment that I discover news.That's when I open my heart to know them better.

There are so many problems in families that could be avoided or resolved if the members of these families could just listen. Families where children are constantly growing, a united dinner becomes increasingly difficult, but creating good habits from when they are small is key. Bring your kids together, get them a bit more involved in the kitchen, perhaps they may start off by simply washing the vegetables or chopping them. This creates a sense of unity and accomplishment. Give it a try, and see their reaction :)

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless Chicken Breast
• 100g firm goat's cheese , such as Crottin de Chavignol
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus 2-3 sprigs
• 4 rashers streaky bacon , thinly sliced
• 2 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 250g vine tomatoes , thinly sliced

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Split the chicken breasts almost in half from one long side and open them out like a book. Hit them out a little with a rolling pin to flatten them. Season on all sides. Put half the goat's cheese on each piece of chicken and sprinkle with the thyme leaves. Fold the chicken over to enclose the cheese, and then wrap each one in two slices of the bacon.
2. Lightly oil a shallow gratin dish, then arrange overlapping rows of zucchhini and tomatoes over the base. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme sprigs. Sit the chicken on top.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the bacon is crisp and golden and the zucchini’s are tender. Serve straight from the dish with new potatoes or good bread.

Tip: Serving Suggestion: Dish up with steamed Asparagus and brown rice.

Bon appétit