Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach

Divine Decadence!!
(serves 4)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-7 oz. each)
Kosher* salt and freshly* ground pepper
3 T. EVOO
1 large clove of garlic, grated or finely minced
4 cups baby spinach
A pinch of freshly ground nutmeg or ground nutmeg
1/2 cup drained fresh ricotta
1/2 cup (loosely packed) freshly, finely grated Parmigiano or Grana Padano
8 slices prosciutto di Parma (preferably "reserve" quality), thinly sliced
1 lemon, halved

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350. Butterfly the chicken by slicing horizontally into the thick, long side of each breast., taking care not to slice all the way through. Open each breast like a book and place on a work surface. Using a mallet, pound the chicken to even it out a bit. Season both sides with S&P. In a med. skillet, heat 1 T. oil over med. Add the garlic and stir 30 secs. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, 3-4 mins. Add the nutmeg; season with S&P. Drain the spinach well, let cool, then finely chop (you will have 3-4 T. of chopped spinach). In a med. bowl, mix the spinach the cheeses; season. Spread some of the spinach mixture on one side of each breast, leaving a small border. Close the other half of the breast over the filling to cover. Wrap each breast with 2 slices of the prosciutto. In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat remaining oil over med. high. Add the chicken and cook until the prosciutto is browned, 2-3 mins. on each side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 12 mins. Halfway through cooking, add the lemon halves, cut side down, to the pan and cook until the lemons are browned. Divide the chicken between plates. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves over the chicken, and serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes*.

Editor's note: did not make the patty pan squash salad yesterday - got distracted by crab with drawn butter!! - which was most yumola.

"Don't ask God why He is allowing something to happen. Ask Him what He wants you to learn and do in the midst of it."

Have FUN out there today!!

Love,

MM