PAW's Recipe of the Month February 2014 -Crispy topped Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

I wonder how many excuses you have heard or made, offering the reason for not being able to host someone to supper or dinner. The classic one for me is ‘I can’t cook as well as you!’ My retort is standard. ‘Make me Beans on Toast and I will be more than happy’

There is no finer institution than social intercourse over a meal with a glass of wine especially on these dank, wet and ghastly nights of gloom. Unless you are a ‘couch potato’ curl up on the sofa to watch the relevant droll options on the TV.

Time is also another excuse but often the reason is - can’t be bothered. I have emphasised many times that planning is of utmost importance for any cooking adventure so that it does not become a chore or boring. Eating is a necessity of life if you are to sustain it, so get over it and enjoy it, rather than fighting it. The chore is when you haven’t planned and everything is a last minute panic with lack of inspiration or thought. The familiar and ever dependable take-away - delivery or the infamous ‘ding ding’ dinner from the microwave.

Planning means shopping and preparation in advance leaving nothing to the last minute panic when mistakes are inevitable and stressful.

The joy of it all comes from the recipient of your labours. For me there is nothing finer than something, no matter how complex or simple that I have not had to shop, prepare and cook myself. Washed down with palatable wine and amicable conversation.

So please do think about that neighbour or friend who sits alone most nights with a plate of food and no amicable conversation. One or two extra portions of your weekday supper or weekend catering would not be too harmful to the budget and you too may be treated to a night off by a return invitation

You do not have to prepare a gastronomic extravagance to entertain. Good food can be simple and enjoyable whether Beans on Toast – an Omelette or Banger and Mash. It is the camaraderie and socialising that is important.

Crispy topped Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

Mix together 6ozs of cubed Taleggio, 3 tblsp Pesto, 1 handful of chopped Fresh Basil,

3ozs of Cream Cheese.

Place in an oven proof dish 6 skinless Chicken Breasts. Spread the mixture over the Breasts. Top with about 2- 3 ozs of Fresh Breadcrumbs and a little Paprika.

Bake in a warmed oven (about 180C) for about 20mins.

Add about 3/4lb of Vine Cherry Tomatoes and drizzle with Olive Oil and a little Balsamic Vinegar. Bake for a further 10mins till Golden and Tomatoes wrinkled and serve.

Now that’s not rocket science......