Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons margarine, divided
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
• 1/4 cup scallion, sliced
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 bone-in chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 16 ounces pitted dark sweet cherries, drained, liquid reserved
• 1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1/4 cup brandy

Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the margarine in a medium-size frying pan. Add almonds and scallions and cook about 3 minutes, until scallions are soft and nuts are lightly browned. Remove to a small bowl; add cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; mix until well blended.

2. Slit a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff each with a portion of cream cheese mixture and secure with wooden toothpicks. Season with additional salt and pepper.

3. In a large frying pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons margarine in the oil. Brown chicken on all sides over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes. Add cherries with juice and orange peel to chicken and cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through. Arrange chicken and cherries on a serving dish and cover with foil to keep warm.

4. Bring liquid in pan to a boil and boil until reduced to about 2/3 cup. Stir dissolved cornstarch into juices in pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce boils and thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour half the sauce over chicken.

5. Warm brandy in a large ladle or small saucepan, but do not boil. Ignite carefully and pour flaming brandy over chicken. Pass remaining cherry sauce separately.