Chicken Curry Salad with Currents and Herbs on French Bread

Bonjour! French bread is one of Frances’ greatest gifts to the world, at least in my option! What could be better that breaking into a warm crusty loaf of freshly baked French bread? When I lived in the South of France I spent many a happy morning in line for a fresh pastry and a loaf of warm French bread. Walking along the streets I would see everyone with smiles on their faces and their new loaves perched over their shoulders. Going to the bakery each day, when time allows, is part of their daily routine. It’s as natural to the French to go to the bakery each morning, as going for a coffee at Starbucks is to most of us. They often take their bread along to a little café to enjoy with their morning coffee or hot chocolate. I think that the best of both worlds. Great French bread and freshly brewed coffee. Ooh La La! French Bread or a Baguette, as it is called in France, is a thin long loaf of bread that is most commonly made form a basic lean dough. A standard baguette is about 2 to 2 1/3 inches around and is usually about 24 inches long; however some are as long as 39 inches. The dough is regulated by French law, but the shape can vary. It is usually distinguished by its length, crisp crust, and slits designed to allow and enable the proper expansion of gases. Baguettes are claimed to be a descendent of the pain viennois which was introduced toward the mid-19th century from Vienna, Austria. There are varying accounts as to the exact origins of the baguette. No matter how they came to actually be the loaves we know and love today, it is clear that they are not only a French staple, but loved throughout the world. Baguettes are great for sandwiches and are usually sliced in half and filled with veggies, cheeses, and meats. In today’s recipe I have stuffed them with a flavorful mild chicken curry that’s sure to please. If you are not a fan of curry just leave it out and perhaps add a few more herbs. French bread is also served for breakfast with jam or chocolate spread. Dunking your chocolate covered piece of baguette in a mug of hot chocolate is not only a delicious way to start your day it’s also a very French way of enjoying your baguette. I hope this has inspired you to get a up a little earlier and head off to your favorite bakery in search of a crispy fresh warm baguette and don’t forget the chocolate spread.

Everyone who has tasted this recipe says it’s the best chicken curry salad they have ever had! I’ll let you and your friends be the judge of that. This recipe also works really well with *crispy sautéed pieces of tofu. I love to serve it on French bread. Always use organic ingredients when possible!