July 6, 2010

Hickory what?

So there's this incredible little lunch restaurant here called Hickory Street Cafe that has put itself on the map by becoming known for its delicious chicken salad and zucchini bread. Part of its charm comes from the fact that it's located in an ancient but restored cottage-type house, only open from 11-2, and always full of women and girls of all ages who are just "doing lunch." There's a little shop located in the building's attic full of decorative crafts, fancy candles and costume jewelry and all of the art on the walls all over the restaurant is painted by a local artist and is for sale. It's just so charming. I've spent many many lunches with many many great girlfriends in this very place over the past 10 years or so.

But, here goes- I think I can make their chicken salad. Or at least I'm trying. It's the type of chicken salad that is very simple and straight forward. It's basically just white meat chicken, grapes, cashews, and sauce. I added some bell peppers when I made it to add more crunch. Many recipes call for celery, but I'm not big on celery. I haven't nailed it yet, and even if I had, I'd still go to Hickory Street as often as I could for the experience and wonderful atmosphere! Here's the picture and recipe. If you think you know what ingredient(s) I might be missing, let me know!


Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (baked & cubed)
red grapes
1/4 c. green bell peppers (diced)
1/3 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
salted cashews (added on top when served)

***UPDATE: The original recipe I posted that I thought was so close wasn't at all. I sneakily found this new one, though, that's the real thing. And it's been quite the hit with my friends and family! I prepare the chicken a different way that makes infuses a little garlic. Enjoy!


Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts


1 can salted cashews

Red grapes (whole or halved)

1 clove of garlic

½ cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

¼ cup heavy whipping cream

1 pkg. Ranch DRESSING mix

How to prepare chicken:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay chicken breasts in baking dish and pour some heavy cream to where it nearly covers the chicken. Chop garlic into about 5 pieces and set them in the cream around the chicken. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping half way through. Let chicken cool to room temperature before cubing.

Mix mayonnaise, whipping cream, and Ranch mix together. Add prepared chicken and grapes and stir until coated. Let chill overnight. Add cashews on top when serving. Great on croissants!

3 comments:

Nat said...

Love our lunches at HS... so glad I could be there for Nuggs first HS trip! She Loved it! (or slept the whole time haha) Wonderful pic of the chicken salad and the new table cloths.... So cute! Cant wait to try your version,Im sure it is delish! Love ya
-Nat/Nonnie

K. Yeomans said...

My husband and I lived in Abilene, TX, while he was stationed at Dyess AFB. I loved that little place so much and absolutely loved the little lunch spots all around town. Hickory Street Café was one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing this recipe. Their chicken salad is the most delicious I have ever tasted!

Dishwater Dan... said...

I actually worked there as a dishwasher about 20 years ago and one thing I can tell you is they boil their chicken. It's chicken tenders and there didn't seem to be any seasoning so all the flavors come frome the other ingredients.

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