Grapes

Yep, we are starting here. I can hear you saying, "C'mon, this is hardly an unknown fruit to me or my family." Stay with me here, folks! I promise it will pay off!

While the summer draws to a close why not have one last picnic? Find a park, a zoo, or even the back yard to have your picnic. My preferred picnic basket is not a basket at all. In the above picture you see a layered melamine dream from Pearl River. All three layers come apart and could be refrigerated or left room temperature with their contents. This model is listed at $31.50 but there are many different varieties including insulated ones and stainless steel. I must say the stainless smaller ones would be great for the "Hubs" lunch. At only $15.50 I think it's a bargain!

Now to the grapes!

Chicken Salad With Grapes and Almonds

-I realize it may be unorthodox but try it once, if you hate, at least you tried it! The almonds provide monounsaturated fats (the good fat) and the grapes will provide a serving of fruit for the day.

Serves 4 hungry people

Ingredients:

2 cans of pre-cooked chicken, drained (found near tuna, I use the canned stuff as a huge time saver and pantry staple!)

2-2 1/2 cups red seedless grapes, cut in half or quartered if they're huge

1/2 cups sliced or slivered almonds

1 1/2- 2 cups Fat-Free Mayo or Miracle Whip (I don't like all the fat, but it's your call)

3/4 TBS fresh tarragon, finely minced (it's still summer, use fresh)

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

sea salt (there will be a post on this later)

Fresh Ground black pepper (again, a post will come later as to why this is so vital)

Whisk together your mayo and all the herbs, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place the chicken in a medium to large mixing bowl with grapes and almonds. Pour mayo mixture over chicken mixture and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor. Keep cold until serving.

I would take some store bought croissants, the remaining grapes and maybe some baby carrots to complete this picnic.

image via Pearl River