Why did I start this blog? I have been having episodes of inflammation in my hands and fingers, feet and toes, and joints for some time now. I’ve consulted the doctor and have had tests done. It’s not rheumatoid arthritis and my uric acid is normal (tho at times borderline normal). In an effort to determine which food triggers the inflammation, I have been systematically eliminating certain foods from my diet and then bringing them back. After several years, I have now come to the conclusion that I seem to be reacting to animal protein in general (like some sort of allergic reaction). Different animal proteins affect me to different degrees; some cause inflammation faster than others. So I have decided to reduce my intake of meat. No, I am not going vegetarian; maybe semi-vegetarian if there is such a thing. I will be adding interesting and not too difficult recipes here as I find them. I will also include arthritis management tips that have worked for me.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Pesto Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients

2/3 cup ricotta cheese
4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 Tablespoons prepared pesto (from your grocer)
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (2 3/4 pounds)
wooden toothpicks
1 egg
3/4 cup Italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray jelly roll pan with cooking spray.

2. In bowl, combine ricotta, 3 Tbs. of the parsley, pesto and Parmesan.

3. Transfer mixture to plastic food storage bag, snip a hole in one corner, set aside.

4. Cut a 2" deep horizontal pocket into each chicken breast.

5. Dividing evenly, pipe ricotta mixture into pockets. Secure with toothpicks.

6. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat egg. Spread breadcrumbs on wax paper.

7. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

8. Place on pan, coat chicken with cooking spray.

9. Bake chicken until no longer pink inside, about 20 minutes.

10. Sprinkle remaining parsley evenly over chicken pieces, serve hot.

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