Continuing where we left off yesterday, here are some more menu ideas for a leisurely lunch with the girls:
Chicken Salad Croissant
You can prepare any sandwich you like on a fresh, buttery croissant, but chicken salad is wonderful served this way. Make chicken salad the day before so it has time to chill thoroughly and pick up freshly baked croissants at your local bakery the day of your luncheon. Slice the croissants and spoon on chicken salad. Sprinkle with a touch of dill weed and lean the top of the croissant on the other edge of the plate (bottom side up). Place romaine lettuce and paper thin slices of tomato so they are leaning against the top of the croissant. Garnish with fanned strawberries and kiwi slices.
Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes
Wash and core large tomatoes. Slice as if you were slicing a pie into sections but don’t cut all the way through the tomato. Let the sections fan out into a flower shape. Prepare your favorite tuna salad (or chicken salad) recipe and serve it atop the tomato using a large ice cream scoop. Surround the tomato with Melba toast or your favorite party crackers.
*Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is simple to make. Just combine two cups of fully cooked (and chilled) chicken breast that has been diced into small cubes with 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Add two tablespoons of dill pickle relish, 1/8 cup of finely chopped celery, and 1/8 cup of finely chopped sweet onion, and a dash or salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and chill for several hours. Stir before serving. Double as necessary for the number of guests.
*Tuna Salad
Follow the directions above, replacing chicken with two cans of drained, flaked tuna or two packages of seasoned/flavored tuna.
NOTE: If you don’t want to use your good dishes outdoors look for pretty party ware. There are many affordable, attractive party items available and the best part is they are disposable so you can clean up in a breeze.