One of our long time favorites and a make ahead main dish -- Curried Chicken and Fruit Salad. The weather has been summery – astounding for March! And we’ve taken advantage of it, with lots of time in the garden. Meals when we are concentrating on a project are usually do ahead. Last night I reached back in the archives from the very first days of A Pinch of Joy and came up with this to make ahead and enjoy after a very busy day. Curried Chicken and Fruit Salad is a festive, flavorful salad that is so versatile. It is not spicy, but is uniquely and wonderfully flavored. It is the first thing I think of when I need something for a luncheon because it can be served so many different ways. Great by itself, it also goes well with croissants or any delicately flavored quick bread. ... [Read More]
apples
Fruity Cranberry Relish
Mom’s Cranberry Relish with apples, oranges and nuts is different from most relish recipes. I think it was actually my grandmother’s recipe, but that’s not noted anywhere. It’s mostly fresh fruit and nuts so not a lot of sweetener needed. A little bit tangy and a whole lot refreshing. The bit of sugar used also brings out the fruit juices so it provides that extra bit of moisture to accompany the turkey. I don't peel the apples because I like the added texture and flavor (and it's quick and easy!). But you can peel them if you prefer. Use a sweet apple to contrast with the zingy cranberry -- Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp or Delicious. Golden Delicious provides a bit of color contrast. This was one of my favorite dishes as a child and I was always a bit sad when the holidays ... [Read More]
Apple Pie Rustica
Tart - galette – one crust pie - folded pie. This dish has an identity crisis. Tart is an English term for pastry with fruit, often one serving size, while galette is a French crusty cake with sweet or savory topping. So what to call this delectable dish? Besides a superb ending for a meal? How about Apple Pie Rustica? Rustica as in Italian for simple, without unnecessary embellishment. Not that I know anything about the Italian language! But rustic apple pie sounds like it would have paint flaking off, while " rustica" sounds solid and to the point! Apples sweetened slightly with a touch of lemon to enhance flavor. Flaky pie crust providing both counterpoint and unifier from the most basic of ingredients. A dish beautiful on its own merits, honest and ... [Read More]
Curried Chicken and Fruit Salad
Curried chicken and fruit salad is a festive, flavorful salad that is so versatile. It is the first thing I think of for a luncheon because it can be served so many different ways. Great by itself it also goes well with croissants or any delicately flavored quick bread. Works well for a Christmas brunch or late dinner. It makes a delightful appetizer with crackers, toasted rounds. We love it for cool summer suppers with a salad and corn on the cob or a light dessert. It is not spicy, but is uniquely and wonderfully flavored. A party on the tongue! Did you know that curry is a combination of spices? Families in southern Asia have their own “secret” blends that can contain up to 20 different herbs and spices, depending on the region and traditions. Many blends include cumin, ... [Read More]
Cream Cheese Toffee Dip
Cream Cheese Toffee Dip -- a "published" recipe. For my birthday this year, I received a brand new community cookbook from my sister in law. When I opened it up the very first recipe in the book was one I had given her a couple of years ago. An honor to be the first recipe! Never mind that “A is for apple dip” and comes in the alphabet before “B is for Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts”! Community cookbooks are treasures! You know when you look through them that contributors offered their very best, the recipes that have been savored repeatedly. I have three or four special books to which my family have contributed their “keepers” that are stained and well worn and used frequently! My birthday cookbook celebrates the quasquicentennial of a small town and contains 164 pages of yummy ... [Read More]
