Sweet Curry Chicken Salad

I just love the flavors and crunch in this chicken salad.  It may seem kind of odd, but I think apples and curry are a great combination.  Then you get the additional crunch of celery and almonds.  The honey and grapes add sweetness and the chicken fills it all out.  These were delicious in pita bread, but I think this salad would make a great wrap as well.

Sweet Curry Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used Greek)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup seedless grapes, cut into quarters
1/2 cup diced celery
1 small apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Pita bread or wraps, for serving

Directions:
1. In a small bowl whisk together the yogurt, sour cream, honey, curry powder and salt until smooth.

2. In a medium bowl mix chicken, grapes, celery and apple.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.  Stir in the slivered almonds.  Serve with pita bread or as a wrap sandwich.

Source: adapted from Home Cooking The Costco Way

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is tasty with fresh vegetables, and delicious on Mediterranean-type sandwiches or gyros.  It was great with these Mediterranean Chicken Wraps.  Healthy, tasty and easy to make.  I can't ask for much more in a dip.

Tzatziki Sauce
Note: To speed up the process you can shred the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater and then place the shredded cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess water.  You could then season with salt as desired after mixing the rest of the ingredients together.  If you prefer finely chopped cucumber instead of shredded, follow the instructions in the recipe.
Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and cut into large chunks
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 small clove garlic, grated
3 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or more to taste)

Directions:
1. Place the cucumber in a colander and sprinkle with the kosher salt.  Set over a bowl and let drain for 30 minutes.  Place the cucumbers in the middle of a clean kitchen towel and wring the towel to drain off as much water as possible.  Dry with a paper towel.  Chop very finely.

2. Combine the chopped cucumber with the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and dill.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.  Store in an airtight container.

Source: recipe adapted from www.browneyedbaker.com, method tips from www.melskitchencafe.com

Toffee Apple Dip

I've mentioned before how much I love fall.  I really love pumpkin season, but I try not to skip over apple season.  I thought it would be fun to make a special after-school snack for my kids on their first day of school, and an apple treat seemed very appropriate.

This dip is so quick to mix together and is addictively delicious!

Toffee Apple Dip
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup toffee baking bits
Sliced apples, for dipping

Directions:
1. Mix together the cream cheese and brown sugar until well combined.  Stir in the vanilla well.  Add the toffee bits and stir well.

2. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serve with sliced apples.

Source: adapted from two recipes, one from Jolene C.  via my mom, and from www.melskitchencafe.com

Sloppy Joes (Crock Pot)

I just love recipes from friends.  A friend I lived close to years ago gave me this sloppy joe recipe, and I think of her whenever I make this.  It's a tasty sloppy joe that comes together quickly and then waits patiently in the crock pot until we're ready to eat.  Crock pot meals never fail to make my day go so much more smoothly. 

Sloppy Joes (Crock Pot)
Yield: Serves about 8
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 1/2 lbs ground turkey (or ground beef, if you prefer)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup mustard
4 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 green pepper, chopped
Hamburger buns, for serving

Directions:
1. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the ground turkey, onion and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is brown and onion is tender.  Drain. 

2. In a crock pot, combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder.  Stir until combined.  Stir in the green pepper and the meat mixture.  Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.  Serve on hamburger buns.

Source: adapted from my friend, Rachel A.