Slow Cooker Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Valentine's Day conjures up images of roses, chocolate, and dinners out, but in today's economy these things may not be affordable. There have been many Valentine's Day celebrations in our marriage that I was the chef because of unemployment or because there simply wasn't the money in the budget to go out. Since I enjoy cooking, this was never a problem for me; these times gave me an opportunity to get creative. With the addition of a pretty table clothe on the table and china and crystal, our evening meal was no longer a typical meal. My husband and son have always had their favorite dinner and dessert requests, so it was easy to make our meal special. If your family has been hit by the economic down-turn, this chicken dish may just be the ticket to a delicious Valentine's Day dinner celebration for you and your family. Blessings...

Recipe:

6 large boneless skinless chicken breast halves

6 slices fully cooked ham

6 slices Swiss cheese

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. rubbed sage

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 cup oil for frying

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1/2 cup chicken broth

rice, pasta or mashed potatoes

1. Flatten chicken to 1/8-inch thickness by pounding with a meat mallet between sheets of plastic wrap. I save empty cereal box liners for this purpose. They are much sturdier and do not tear apart as easily as plastic wrap.

2. Place a piece of ham and slice of cheese on each breast. Roll up and tuck in ends; secure with a toothpick.

3. Combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, sage, paprika and pepper in a pie plate; coat chicken on all sides.

4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is very important.

5. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat. Transfer to a slow cooker.

6. Combine soup and broth; pour over the chicken.

7. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Remove toothpicks and serve with rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.

Yield: 6 ample servings