What's in your lunchbox?



It's terrible to say but, sometimes lunchtime is the highlight of my day!  After having approximately 80 students come through my computer lab in the morning I'm more than ready for a break.  It really helps to have something yummy waiting on me in my lunchbox.  Today is one of those days that I can't wait for lunch!  Not only will I get to visit with The Lunch Bunch Girls but I have a delicious chicken salad croissant ready to sink my teeth into and fresh pineapple chunks that I got on sale at Publix for $1.99!  I love chicken salad and have tried many variations, experimented with ingredients, and used my family members in the test kitchen.  This one is our all time favorite.  It's sweet, savory, and crunchy!!  If I'm making this recipe for a function such as a luncheon or shower I will make a lot more, but when I'm mixing it up for my lunch I don't need more than enough for a couple days so I decrease the ingredients.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...now I can't wait for 12:15!

Becky's Chicken Salad

2 chicken breasts (bone in, skin on)

1 stalk celery, small chop

2/3 cup Duke's mayonnaise

20-25 seedless red grapes (cut in half)

chopped pecans to your liking

salt/pepper to taste...a little heavy on the pepper

Start by placing chicken breast on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.  Pop into a 375 degree oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. 

While the chicken is cooling prepare your celery, grapes and pecans.  Once the chicken has cooled, remove skin and debone, chop.  Sometimes I like to shred my chicken and then do a little chopping.  It all depends on what consistency you like it.  Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the drippings from the roasting pan on top of the chicken.  I know this sounds strange but it gives the chicken salad the most wonderful flavor!!!  Add, mayonnaise, celery, grapes and nuts and gently toss until all the meat is coated.  Add salt and pepper to taste, but I think chicken salad is best when it has lots of freshly ground pepper.  Now a word on the mayonnaise.  In the south, Duke's mayonnaise is the all time best.  The taste is perfect and I would never substitute for anything else, except Hellmann's.  For those of you who live up north you won't be able to find Duke's so Hellmann's will do just fine.   Now scoop it on a buttery croissant or pile it on a bed of lettuce...yum!   ~Bon Apetite