Chicken Salad with Green Grapes and Walnuts from the Parish House Inn

This is about love...of my brother and this chicken salad recipe ...it felt appropriate to share as we celebrate Valentine's Day with those we love.

This is a recipe from my brother Jim...he is a great cook and enjoys sharing his recipes with me.  On aobnvisit to Ypsilanti he made this chicken salad for me and I have enjoyed it ever since.  There are a lot of ingredients and each one is important, so don't leave them out.  I sometimes substitute dried cherries and toasted pecans and  the grapes and walnuts with equally delicious results.  

My Brother Jim's Famous Chicken Salad

1 ½ pounds chicken breast, shredded, not cubed

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

2 green onions, finely chopped

1/1/2 stalks celery finely chopped

1 small tart apple, peeled, cored finely chopped

½ cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

½ pound green grapes, sliced lengthwise

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon sea salt

add mayonnaise to create a smooth texture

In a large bowl mix all ingredients together and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve on a bed of lettuce, garnish with additional chopped walnuts and green grapes.

PTD Productions Comedy and dinner near the Parish House Inn in February

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast, just two blocks away from the Riverside Arts Center,76 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI, is a perfect location for a weekend theater and dinner getaway. When you reserve for a Friday and Saturday in February, we will add a single rose bouquet, chocolate dipped strawberries and a set-up of wine or champagne glasses.

The near-by restaurants offer a variety of menus from Vietnamese, to barbeque to just a good steak and potato.  We are happy to make reservations for you at the restaurant of your choice.

February 2015 begins the season with a play where comedy is front and center. This PTD Production of the winner of the 2013 Tony award for best play,

Vanya& Sonia & Masha & Spike written by Christopher Durang. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud as you watch this hilarious tale unfold in stage. The peaceful retirement of Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia is interrupted when their movie star sister Masha returns, unannounced, with her twenty-something boy toy Spike, which was foretold by their psychic house cleaner, Cassandra. Spike is the catalyst for a weekend of rivalry and regret which leads to the raucous, absurd humor.

February 19 -28 at 8 PM, Sunday February 22 and Tuesday February 24 are matinees at 2 PM.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Go to www.ptdproductions.com for more information

Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Parish House Inn White Bean, Ham and Spinach Soup Recipe

There are a lot of bean and greens soup recipes out there, but I really like this one. Because you blend some of the beans, it thickens the broth and makes it a very hearty main dish option, served with crusty bread and a salad. Enjoy!

White Bean, Ham and Spinach Soup

4 - 6 servings

A very yummy and filling soup for Winter.  Especially good if you have some ham left from the Holidays.  Without it, it makes a good vegetarian option, musing vegetable broth.

2 Tablespoons oil 2 (16 ounce ) cans white beans, drained and rinsed 1 (12 ounce ) package fresh spinach ½ cup chopped carrots 2 cups chopped red onion 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped celery 1 teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon crush dried pepper flakes 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 6 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 cup diced tomatoes or 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 cups coarsely chopped ham ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

In a large soup pot heat oil, add carrots, onions, garlic, celery, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook 5 – 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add white beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Place 2 cups soup in a blender and puree until smooth ( I use an immersion blender for just a quick blend) Stir in spinach and tomatoes and stir until spinach is soft. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Parish House Inn Ypsilanti Terrific Five Star Review ...

This video review is from a recent guest.  The background of the video is our breakfast room/kitchen area, and is also where guests enter the Parish House and check-in when they arrive.  Once checked-in, guests can help themselves to a cup of tea or cocoa and  nibble on one of our famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies anytime.  In the morning Martha and I are ready with coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade muffins and breads and a main dish like eggs or pancakes. If guests are off to work, then conversation is limited, but if time is not an issue, then guests engage in lively conversations with each other and the innkeepers.

Our web site also offers a virtual tour of some of the rooms, so you can see the entire room.  Some guests say it helped them to choose a room for their stay....whatever the occasion.

We look forward to your stay,

Chris and Martha,
Innkeepers