Chicken Almond Pita Sandwiches

The Saturday before Mother's Day, me and my siblings make a lunch for my Mom. It's a time when we are able to sit down without our spouses or kids and reminisce about old times. This has been a requested main dish year after year.

INGREDIENTS:
1 8-ounce pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 cups chicken, cooked and diced
1/3 cup red pepper, chopped
1/3 cup green pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup slivered almonds
4 large pieces pita bread, halved
alfalfa sprouts

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in cooked chicken, red and green peppers, green onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
2. Just before serving, stir in almonds. Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup filling into each pita half. Top with sprouts, if desired. Makes 4 servings.
   

Southwestern Chicken Wraps

I found this recipe in an Everyday Food magazine. (Thanks, Angela, for the gift subscription!!) The hubby said it's a definite "do-over"!

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup sour cream or tofutti sour cream
1-2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 sandwich wraps, (10 inches each)
3 cups baby spinach or romaine lettuce
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (15 ounces) drained and rinsed black beans
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, jalapenos, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread sandwich wraps with sour-cream sauce, leaving a 2-inch border. In center of wraps, in a rectangular shape, layer equal amounts of baby spinach, shredded chicken, black beans, tomato, onion, and avocado. For each wrap, fold two sides of wrap over filling (the short sides of the rectangle), then roll tightly, ending seam side down.
   

Chicken Salad Sandwiches by Mary Doran

Makes: 8-10 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned slat
1/2 tablespoon chopped, dried onion
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup celery

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine mayonnaise and cream cheese. Mix with a wire whisk until smooth.
2. Mix in lemon juice, spices and onion.
3. Add chicken and celery. Stir until combined.
4. Serve on croissants or rolls.