Kathryn Leigh Scott's Cold Curried Chicken Salad
from the Dark Shadows Celebrity Cookbook

I think anyone would agree that Kathryn Leigh Scott is a very smart person who knows a good thing when she sees one, as is evident with her great recipe for Cold Curried Chicken Salad from The Dark Shadows Celebrity Cookbook.  It's different that most others I've made (and I've made many!) because of the way the dressing is prepared.  Finely chopped shallots are sauteed in oil with curry powder, paprika, apricot jam, sliced lemon, and tomato puree (or catsup which I used because it is actually a chutney).  This very pungent mixture is then blended with the mayonnaise yielding a spicy, sweet, and piquant dressing with a smooth finish.  Wait a minute.  I sound like I could be describing Maggie Evans here!  Folded into the tender chicken pieces with the dressing are chopped celery, apple, and walnuts which offer a nice crunch and make an interesting and unexpected medley of healthy ingredients.  It's easy and fun to make with only a little clean-up.  You won't be disappointed and will find yourself making it again for company.  I served it with toasted pita bread, ice cold glasses of limeade, and for dessert we had mango sorbet and coconut macaroons.  Although not suggested in the recipe, I think Ms. Scott would probably approve.  A better lunch on a summer day could not have been had.  By the way, I know that Maggie Evans did not learn this recipe from her stint at the Collinsport Inn.  If you remember there was only plain chicken salad on the menu board in the coffee shop there.  She must have acquired it 1795 when she was Josette du Pres who certainly would have tasted and relished such soft West Indian flavors as these at home in Martinique.  Don't miss this one!