As spring gives way to summer temperatures and the sun decides to stick around for more than just a moment, my thoughts turn to being outside, nurturing my garden and eavesdropping on the gossip of neighborhood birds. I love the long hours of daylight and try to get as much done in my yard and garden as possible, which doesn’t leave much time for food preparation. One of my favorite go-to meals is a chicken salad. I can make up a big batch and eat on it for almost a week. It is quick, easy, and healthier than a drive-thru hamburger (a weakness, I must admit).
Just the other day I wanted to make up a chicken salad but did not have all the ingredients I typically include and was not motivated to run to the grocery store. Not a problem! I made up a new version using fresh tarragon from my garden and substituted dried apricots for raisins. It was delicious! Here is the recipe.
There are a couple of things that really make this recipe work for me. First, I’m trying to cut down on my use of single-use plastics, such as saran wrap, which is what I have used to poach skinless boneless chicken breasts, infusing them with flavor. Now I’m using a Stasher Bag, which is a silicone alternative created to be used over and over. I can freeze in it, boil in it and use it to cook things in the microwave. Then I pop it in the dishwasher to get it clean. It’s amazing and will eliminate tons of zip lock bags and plastic wrap from my landfill. Winner!
Another item I reach for almost every time I’m in the kitchen is my Microplane grater. Most often used for zesting citrus, it is also handy for nutmeg, hard cheeses and dark chocolate. There is simply nothing as easy to use. But the newest addition to my collection of tools is the Shred Machine™ which allows me to shred the poached chicken breast in a snap…or twist, you might say. So easy even little hands can join in the fun.
For demonstrations of many other helpful tools please check out the Events page of our website.
Signed, The Happy Eater