ALMOND-STUFFED CHICKEN

Serves 4.

Note: For a low-calorie meal, serve this with couscous and green beans. From "Cooking Light Mix & Match Low-Calorie Cookbook."

• 1/4 c. slivered almonds, divided

• 1/3 c. light garlic-and-herbs spreadable cheese

• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, divided

• 4 (6-oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 11/2 tsp. butter

Directions

To toast almonds: Place almonds in a dry large nonstick skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally. Cook for a few minutes, until almonds are fragrant and lightly browned. Cool and chop coarsely.

Combine spreadable cheese, 3 tablespoons toasted almonds and 2 tablespoons parsley in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cut a horizontal slit through thickest part of each breast half to form a pocket. Stuff 11/2 tablespoons almond mixture into each pocket; secure each pocket with a wooden pick. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat butter in the same large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; cover and let stand 2 minutes.

Top chicken evenly with remaining 1 tablespoon almonds and remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.