peach please!... chicken salad sandwich

When it comes to the kitchen I have a number of flaws. First of all, I am cheap. Second, I don't follow recipes. When preparing a meal, I am very imaginative and have adjusted my cooking habits to both of these faults. (Meaning, everything I create is one giant experiment.)

My latest food test came in the form of chicken salad sandwich. I was craving it, but per usual I was low on supply and unmotivated to travel to the store. After rummaging through my cupboards and reorganizing my fridge, it hit me: let's use peaches. From there a master piece was created!

The standard chicken salad sandwich includes a number of yummy ingredients including celery, apples, onions, mayonnaise and so on. My chicken salad sandwich housed a similar balance of tangy and sweet while maintaing the familiar texture. (Mine also ended up being much healthier.)

Here's the ingredient break down: Chopped peach, onion, and chicken, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, spices (I used salt, pepper and onion powder) and arugula for garnish. Remember, I do not follow recipes. There is no science or measurement to the ingredients used. Pick a consistency and flavor that works for you and run with it! 

Finally, I made the easiest biscuits! As mentioned, my kitchen was bare. This recipe requires hardly anything. Plus it is vegan, simple, and yummy. Check it out: biscuit recipe. 

The result was finger-licking-good. (Or in Barley's case, plate-licking-good!)

Enjoy! 

take a sip: Ste. Ellie

Let’s face it; Denver has an ever-growing obsession for well a crafted cocktail.  Lucky for us, the drinking scene is moving and grooving; my taste buds dance in delight! With so many specialty bars thriving a brief jaunt from where I stand, one must try them all!

I had heard whispers and read reviews about Colt and Grey’s hot new thing but hadn’t yet found the opportune time to taste the assorted cocktails and concoctions. Naturally, I decided to invite a small group of friends to embark on the new adventure. The modern, sexy ,“speak easy” style bar was directly below its forefather’s foundation. Neatly etched about the entrance was “Ste. Ellie”, and down the lit stairs we travelled to begin our savory sips.

*Note if travelling with a small group you can call ahead. The staff will work to contain a small area to accommodate your needs. This is their refreshing take on traditional reservations.

The room felt warm and fresh. It was neatly decorated in a cream and black color palate with accenting bricks walls. A subtle sound of Phil Collins played in the background, which ultimately completed the overall ambiance. I felt quite at home. Immediately, we were seated at the end of the bar and browsed the current menu. With seasonal bar lists being very on trend, it was no surprise that Ste. Ellie too had an ever-changing menu to house a consumer’s current needs. Since I like to do my homework prior to new experiences, I already knew all of this thanks to my friends on Yelp. It was also through this source that I learned about Kevin, the bartender. More like magician! Kevin is a genius and master of booze. Matthew's not bad himself. All of Ste. Ellie’s cockologists know what they’re doing and how to treat a costumer. The overall experience was light hearted and welcoming in a space that made you feel distinguished.

But wait, what about the cocktails?! Well let’s get to it. I asked my new BFF Kevin to create something with vodka and lemon, allowing him to fully showcase his artistry without many confinements. What came back to my seat was unlike anything I had ever had the pleasure of drinking before. What could have been simple and sweet was transformed into an eloquent mixture of champagne, ginger, and samplings from God. It was divine, a unicorn of a drink. Stupid & Clever was another group favorite and one for the whiskey drinkers in your circle. Ste. Ellie does their snacks equally as well. Believe it or not, but duck and fries is a delightful combo. I also can’t say enough good things about the beet salad; it was delicious! 

Overall, between the location, laughs, and libations, this place is worth a visit weekly. It is an added favorite to my growing Denver drinking list. 



Photos by Adam Larkey for Eater Denver. Read all their reviews here.