When making a stuffed chicken or stuffed beef dish, a meat mallet is important because it will both flatten and tenderize the meat. A meat mallet is basically a perforated wooden or metal block, usually attached to a wooden handle. Simply place the meat on an appropriate work surface, and pound it with the mallet.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash the chicken breast and remove any skin or fat.

• Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally. Pound with a meat mallet to make the chicken as thin as possible.

• Place the ham slices over one piece of chicken. Sprinkle the cheese on top; then place the other piece of chicken on top.

• Place the assembly in a greased baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle the top with bread crumbs. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 170°F. The juice from the chicken should run clear when pricked with a fork.

• Allow to cool, cut into small pieces, and serve. You can also fork-mash if desired.