DAILY DINNERS

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Use a small sharp knife to make a slit along the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Mix together the pesto and mascarpone, then carefully spoon half of the mixture into each chicken breast and smooth over the opening to seal.

Brush a little oil, about 1 tsp, all over each chicken breast and season well. Tip the breadcrumbs onto a large plate and season. Place each breast on the plate and press all over with the breadcrumbs. Place in a lightly oiled shallow baking dish along with the tomatoes (kept together on the vine in a couple of bunches). Drizzle over the remaining oil.

Cook in the oven for 25 - 30 mins until the chicken starts to turn golden and is cooked through. Scatter over the pine nuts and cook for 2 mins more. Sprinkle with basil leaves and serve with new potatoes or crusty bread.

Homemade pesto: Heat a small frying pan over a low heat. Cook the pine nuts until golden, shaking occasionally. Put into a food processor with 40g basil, 25g parmesan, 75 ml olive oil and a garlic clove, if using. Whizz until smooth, then season to taste.