Apple Cheddar Chicken

Serves 4.

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 tablespoons ground walnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cinnamon applesauce
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons diced green onion tops
1 large tart green apple, cored and diced
Red or green apple slices

Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut a slit in the side of each breast to form a pocket. Stuff each pocket with 1 tablespoon cheese; press to close.

Combine salt, pepper and walnuts; coat each breast with mixture.

Heat oil in heavy fry pan. Cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until done. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Internal temperature should read 170 degrees F. Remove to platter; cover and keep warm.

In small saucepan, combine applesauce, red bell pepper and green onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until heated thoroughly. Stir in diced apple. Spoon apple salsa over chicken. Garnish with apple slices.

To serve as a sandwich, place cooked chicken on a French roll and top with thinly sliced red or green apples. Sprinkle with apple pie spice; add top of roll.