chicken and apple curry mayonnaise

Chicken salad is among my favorite go-to sandwiches. I tend to bake two or three chicken breasts weekly just so I have them on hand when I need to make a quick meal.

I love curry, too, so my chicken salad sandwich of choice is curry-flavored, but I usually use red grapes instead of apples. Not today!

CHICKEN AND APPLE CURRY MAYONNAISE

• 1 pound boneless, skinless cooked chicken or turkey, cut into cubes (about 2 cups)
• 2 red eating apples, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons golden raisins
• 3 tablespoons roasted, salted peanuts
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon medium or mild curry powder
• ½ teaspoon mild chili powder
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Crisp lettuce leaves, to serve
• Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Place all ingredients, except the salt, pepper, lettuce leaves and cilantro, in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Line a serving dish or individual serving dishes with the lettuce leaves and spoon in the curried chicken mixture. Garnish with the cilantro leaves.

Source: The Apple Cookbook: More Than Sixty Easy, Imaginative Recipes by Nicola Hill (Courage Books; Feb. 1995)

In non-recipe, but still apple news, I received an e-mail from the U.S. Apple Association today. They, too, are celebrating National Apple Month with their own challenge: The Appletizing Apple Pairing recipe contest.

Throughout October, fans will be challenged to create original pairings for specific occasions, including parties, dates and celebrations, snacking, and me time. One winner from each category will receive an assortment of gift boxes from Marzetti®, Cabot Creamery Cooperative™ and Peanut Butter & Co.®. A grand prize winner will receive a $500 Visa gift card.

To enter, visit U.S. Apple Association on Facebook and click on the Recipe Contest tab.