Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts

Several weeks ago I was out helping my big brother with some stuff at his new house and I spotted a book titled "It's Called Work for a Reason" by Larry Winget. I chuckled a bit at the title and the bald, biker looking dude on the cover. My brother went on to tell me about how amazing this author is. He gave me a quick description of his writing style and recommended me reading it, but first I should read his first book titled "Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life". He grabbed me that book and I stood there and read the first few pages. Hilarious. Witty. And true. I am now about halfway through the book and I just can't wait any longer to get the word out: READ THIS BOOK.

This is not your typical self-help or motivational book. Larry is a "no BS" kinda guy. He tells it like it is. No sugarcoating. And sad as it sounds, the general population needs to hear it said in words like his. Reader's Digest version of his book so far might sound like "you're unhappy, broke, fat, lazy, and/or stupid, and there is no one to blame but yourself". It's fascinating. And if you aren't any of those things listed above, it still makes resound points about life that just make sense.

One chapter that I read this morning was about exercise and nutrition. It is all common sense stuff, like don't eat cheap greasy food, don't smoke, don't drink and drive, exercise simply means movement on a basic level, don't have an overweight smoking doctor, and believe in your control of your health. The last point he makes in the chapter is about your family and how much you love them. By taking care of your health and body you are showing your family that you love them enough to be with them for as long as you can control. Common sense, right? But how many of us think like that when we go for that second slice of cake for the third night in a row? 

Now, I doubt Larry follows a paleo/primal diet (he says in the chapter he had a pancake breakfast with his wife), but at least he's got the right mindset of wholesome health and well-being. I, like many of us, started this diet because we researched and experimented, learning of the health benefits and experiencing them for ourselves We have now turned into missionaries, spreading the words to all of those that we love and within ear shot because we know that this is simply the smartest way to live long, fulfilling lives. 

Points to remember? There is no one to blame but yourself. Big one. Seriously. We make the choices. Take accountability for your actions. It's all mental. And until you clean your diet and re-balance your hormones, being "mental" is much harder to control. Taking care of your health is one of the most important steps to loving your family. By taking care of your physical and mental health, both improved by our diet, you will be free to enjoy a full life with those you love. And as a sub-point to remember, share the dedication to health by educating them. Start by cooking them a nutritious meal and explain why. Generally your family is one of the most trustworthy sources of information in your. Take advantage of that.

Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts

The Food

- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

- 4 ounces goat cheese seasoned with herbs and tomato

- 20 sun-dried tomatoes pack in olive oil

- 4 tablespoons pine nuts

- Salt and pepper to taste

The Prep

Open the chicken thighs and remove and large globs of fat

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

The Method

Spread one ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of goat cheese on the inside of the each chicken thigh

For the next layer, add 5 tomatoes on top of the goat cheese

Top each thigh with one tablespoon of pine nuts

Roll each thigh closed and secure with two toothpicks

Season the outside of the rolled thigh with salt and pepper to taste

Put in oven for 45 minutes, turning once
Serve with sauteed spinach and garlic, roasted asparagus, seared Swiss chard, or other savory green

Enjoy :)

This recipe is part of The Nourishing Gourmet's Pennywise Platter.