Tea Room Recipes #3 - Just Like Grandma's (Osakis, MN)

The majority of my tea room cookbooks come from places I've never been, and one that I do believe I would enjoy visiting is called Just Like Grandma's in Osakis, Minnesota.

Apparently this tea room closes for the winter, and according to its Facebook page it will re-open in May. Any readers ever been here? Based on the recipes I've seen in this Just Like Grandma's cookbook, including the Chicken and Artichoke Salad I enjoyed this week, I would very much enjoy eating there!

After all the heavy foods I've eaten over the holidays, the idea of anything with "salad" in the title greatly appealed to me. This recipe is attributed to someone named Shan. I don't know Shan, but I surely did love Shan's recipe! My husband did too. He's an artichoke fan, so I figured he would like this, and it was such a great flavor change that I think we both appreciated it even more. It called for just 1/8 teaspoon curry, and I questioned whether that was enough since I really love curry. Indeed, this small amount added just the right zip to this salad!

Shan's Chicken and Artichoke Salad

1 box Rice-a-Roni, chicken flavored
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (reserve marinade)
1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained
1/2 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 cups cooked, coarsely chopped chicken or turkey
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon curry powder

Cook rice according to package directions, reducing water by 1/2 cup. Let cool. Add artichoke hearts, olives, green pepper, celery, onions and meat. Mix reserved marinade with mayonnaise and curry powder, then add to other ingredients and blend well. Refrigerate until serving. Serves 4-5. This recipe was labeled a "Tea Room Favorite," and I can certainly taste why!