Chicken with Ham and Cheese 

Every NEW recipe I try, I follow the cookbook instructions exactly. It's helps to understand where the recipe creator was going before I detour off on my own the next time. IF there's going to be a next time. There are certain rules, I created years ago, to help me sift recipes that work. For this recipe, I put the rules aside and started cooking.

My dear friend, Anna, came over so we could explore a couple of recipes together. We had a great time; learning a different way to roast garlic, trying pine nuts and prosciutto for the first time, and talking food. Anna is 17 years old and wants to attend culinary school after she graduates high school. Even though there's quite a few years between us, it doesn't seem to matter. Food just has a marvelous way of bringing people together.

This is another recipe that comes out of the Italian cookbook I'm always going on about.

HERE'S HOW EASY IT IS

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup flour, seasoned with salt & freshly ground pepper for dredging
• 1/4 cup healthy oil
• 4 thin slices of prosciutto or cooked ham, cut in half
• 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese

Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 2 flat fillets the same thickness. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess.

Preheat the broiler on low. Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan. Add the chicken in one layer and cook over low to medium heat until golden brown on both sides, turning as necessary.

Remove the chicken from the heat, and arrange on a sheet pan or glass casserole dish. Place one piece of ham on each chicken fillet and top with shredded cheese. Broil for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

KID FRIENDLY ALERT!
When my open-minded son wrinkled his nose at the prosciutto, I knew to leave it off a few fillets. I went ahead with the Parmesan, because I use a very mild brand the kids prefer. I didn't bother serving them the roasted garlic salad, instead I prepared good ol'mac-n-cheese. I've learned when asking my kids to try something new, I make something they love to go right next to it. They are more willing to oblige when the plate doesn't look completely unknown and scary.

My Two Cents: PROSCIUTTO
Call me unrefined if you want, I don't care. It won't move me to buy proscuitto again. I'll admit that it could have been the brand I purchased, which was my only choice from my grocer. Whatever the case, I'm not impressed. I've tasted lunch meats that suited me more. For the price, $5 for four slices of thinly sliced smoked ham, I expected a heavenly smoked flavor that would send me to some new height of delight. Not the case. The next time I cross a recipe that calls for prosciutto, I'll immediately use my favorite smoked ham lunch meat. It's only runs $2.99 for 9 oz. and my kids don't wrinkle their noses when they see it.

One More Tidbit: I wrote a review about the Italian cookbook. It really is a book worth space on your shelf. Save your money and pick up a used copy. I always buy used books when they're available.