New Habits open New Windows

I heard on Biggest Loser a few weeks ago that we eat with our eyes and with our stomachs. Rocco recomended that you pound out your chicken breasts to make them seem large and give the illusion that you are actually eating more. I have adopted this practice since then and have really been enjoying how much quicker I can cook my chicken breasts. Tonight I had a bit of an epiphany...why not roll up some veggies inside of one of those flattened breasts and cook them up. (The reality is I was planning on making roasted rosemary chicken with red potatoes, but I did not get home in time so I had to have a plan B.)

As I was looking through the fridge I found some items that I think would go well inside of the chicken. The first thing that I did, after pounding out the chicken, was to sprinkle a little salt and pepper on each of the chicken breasts. I then decided to add some cream cheese for moisture and flavor, followed by a layer of spinach, some asparagus and a few pieces of thinly sliced red pepper. I really would have rather had a different kind of cheese like ricotta or pepper jack, but I dealt with what I had. I wrapped/folded up the chicken and wrapped each piece of chicken in a slice of bacon (which you can never go wrong with) and secured them together with two toothpicks. I heated 2 T of extra virgin olive oil in a large sautee pan and cooked the chicken for about 7-8 minutes rotating every 2 minutes. I pulled the chicken off of the heat and placed them in a pan and sprinkled a little cheese on. The chicken spent about 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven while I made the sides. Glazed carrots and red pepper and sauteed mushrooms and onions. (Those are both another post.)

It all turned out really well and I have to say that it will be added to the menu. The biggest thing that I thought about was how one technique or habit can become so valuable in other dishes and instances. Don't ever be afraid to try something new. Sure it might tank, but it also might blow your family (and yourself) away!! Go for it.