Spinach and Brie Chicken with Tomato Orzo

Susan's Note: Very healthy, very yummy "weeknight" dinner. I used Alouette "creme de brie" because I wasn't sure if I'd like the brie flavor - but there was no flavor at all really from the cheese I used. Regular brie might be stronger. I made this with steamed asparagus and salad. For a little more moisture, dab a little butter over the chicken.

Spinach and Brie Chicken with Tomato Orzo
Basic chicken breasts become truly company-worthy (and doubly delicious) with a cheesy spinach stuffing.

Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Serves 4 - 6

* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 8 thin chicken cutlets (1 1/2 pounds total)
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 package (10 ounces) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 8 slices
* 1 cup orzo
* 2 plum tomatoes, cored and chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Set a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Place chicken on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Dividing evenly, spread one side of each cutlet with mustard; top with spinach, then cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Starting at short end, roll chicken up tightly, and arrange, seam side down, on sheet.
2. Season rolled chicken with salt and pepper. Broil, without turning, until tops are lightly browned and chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook orzo in boiling water until al dente. Drain well; return to pot. Add tomatoes, parsley, butter, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve stuffed chicken with orzo.

Avocado / Hearts of Palm Salad (Courtesy S. Blann)

***Susan's Note: I halved this recipe and it was a delicious side dish with the halibut recipe below. We had this first at our friend Sara's house for passover.

Hearts of Palm Salad

5-6 Ripe Haas Avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
1 can Hearts of Palm, drained and sliced (I found this in the kosher area)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 heaping spoon of mayo

Gently stir all ingredients together until mayo is even throughout. Then add 1 tbls lemon juice (or 1/2 lemon squeezed), salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently. Serve immediately. (This can be chilled for a couple of hours, you just have to cover in tin foil to prevent the avocados from browning)