Mother’s Day is a nightmare if you’re dieting. How do you say no to chocolates or big pub lunches when they’re offered with a beaming smile and lashings of love? (Bunches of flowers we can cope with, although I wouldn’t be surprised if scientists suddenly discover that being in the same room as daffodils makes us fat.)
I’ve spent too many Mothering Sundays politely munching unhealthy food and then feeling annoyed that I’d set back my diet and ruined all my good intentions. Sometimes one bad day is all it takes to spiral off into a cycle of self-sabotage that can take weeks to get back on track.

This year I’m not letting anything get in the way of my goals. But I’m not holding back on the ‘treat’ element either. My posh chicken kiev ticks both boxes: every bit as oozingly, garlicky delicious as any other but without the hefty calorie bill to pay.

PS. It’s super easy too, so if you’re like me – a mum in the kitchen this Mother’s Day – at least you won’t get hot and bothered getting dinner on the table. Just promise me you’ll get someone else to do the washing up.

Posh Chicken Kiev

224 calories

These chicken breasts are stuffed with garlicky cream cheese and wrapped in Parma ham (prosciutto). Serve on a bed of salad leaves (greens).

Serves 2 • Ready in 35 mins

½ tsp olive oil (14 cals)
1 garlic clove, peeled and very finely chopped (3 cals)
2 tbsp extra-light cream cheese (59 cals)
2 × 150g (5oz) skinless, boneless chicken breasts (318 cals)
2 slices Parma ham (prosciutto) (54 cals)

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
• Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan (skillet) and gently fry the garlic for 1–2 minutes until starting to brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese.
• Prepare the chicken by making a slit down one side of the chicken breast to make a pocket, then fill each pocket equally with the garlicky cream cheese mixture. (This can get messy!) Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of Parma ham (prosciutto) and put onto a baking sheet (cookie sheet). Cook in the oven for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve immediately.