For those of you who took my advice and grew your own basil this summer (see my previous post “Grow Your Own”) and/or if you made the easy pistachio pesto I blogged about in early September, here is a great way to put that pesto to use.

These yummy stuffed chicken breasts are easy to make and are so tasty. Of course they are – they have bacon and cheese – two of the best foods in the world! If you don’t want to make your own pesto, I guess you can substitute with the store-bought stuff – sigh.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons pistachio pesto (click here for my easy recipe)
• 8-12 slices of thick-sliced bacon
• 4 slices of provolone/mozzarella cheese (Swiss or pepper jack will work, too)
• Ground pepper and salt to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. You will need to pound each chicken breast flat. Take a piece of chicken and place it between two sheets of wax paper. Pound until flat (I use my rolling pin.) BTW – this is an excellent way to relieve any pent-up frustrations!

Season the chicken with ground pepper and salt, and then spread one tablespoon of pistachio pesto on each piece.

Top each chicken breast with a slice of cheese, roll up and wrap  with the bacon (it may take 2-3 slices for each piece.) Secure with toothpicks (use plain ones instead of colored ones as shown – just trust me on this one.)

Place each chicken breast into a lightly greased baking dish. Cook for approximately 30 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink inside (the center of the roll should be at least 160 degrees F) and the bacon is crisp.

Cut each roll into quarter-inch or so rounds.

Serve with a starch, green vegetable and a glass of good Sauvignon Blanc or even a Chardonnay and enjoy!

Bon appétit!

Eat, drink and be merry!