Chicken Salad with Sugar Spiced Pecans

Sounds fancy smancy huh?  It's not.  Not a single thing fancy about this, but dang it tastes delish!  I love Chicken Salad Sandwiches.  Not too mayo-y, and loaded with lots of crunchy things.  On a croissant, or Honey Whole Wheat from Great Harvest, or homemade Focaccia it all makes me happy.  Last week James had to come home a little earlier than normal from work.  Something to do with taxes and gathering, sorting, categorizing and other really fun stuff like that.  But he brought home a super fresh and delicious loaf of the above mentioned Honey Whole Wheat.  In all reality James believes on most days he makes the BEST Whole Wheat Bread on the planet.  Well this was one of those days.  It was a perfect loaf of bread, and as James was driving home he called and asked if I'd make something really tasty to go on it.  Well of course I would!  Chicken Salad!  It was scrumptious!  We both made yummy sounds as we were eating, and all that tax stuff just didn't seem so bad.

So here's my opinion on Chicken Salad.  A just right amount of mayo.  Not Miracle Whip.  A little sweet, a lot of crunchy, and a really great nut involved.  I love adding these Sugar Spiced Pecans.  Just a little heat, but a toasted sweet crunch is AWESOME!  The pictured sandwich is on some homemade Focaccia (HERE"S A LINK) that I made the next day.  Yup!  It hit the spot as well.  And by the way............that was a breakfast picture.  Not lunch, but brekky:)  Enjoy!

Chicken Salad with Sugar Spiced Pecans

Chopped chicken  (I used canned chicken and it was wonderful.  Leftover chicken of any sort works, as well as fresh boiled, grilled, or baked chicken.)
Mayo (To your liking.  If you like it a little creamier then go for it!)
1/2 T. Spicy Mustard (dried mustard, or regular yellow mustard works too.)
1/4 c. sugar
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
1 Apple chopped
2-3 Ribs of Celery chopped
2-3 T. Fresh Chopped Parsley

1 c. chopped Sugar Spiced Pecans (Recipe Follows)


Sugar Spice Pecans

1/3 c. sugar
1 c. whole or chopped pecans

In a dry fry pan place the sugar and nuts and put over a medium high heat.  Be diligent and stay right by these babies until they're done.  I've burned a few nuts in my day, and even the kitty won't eat them:(
Don't stir until you start to see the sugar melting.  Gently stir the nuts so they don't burn.  Keep stirring until all the sugar has fully melted and turns golden brown.  This part goes fast.  It takes a while for the sugar to start to melt, but once it does watch it.  Pour the nuts onto a WELL GREASED pan or plate.  Immediately sprinkle with a shot of salt and chili pepper.  Let cool and then break up and add to the best salad or Chicken Salad.


Mix all ingredients together and serve on bread of choice.  It's even better the second day:)