It started with an email from JCPenny a few months ago. The PR representative explained they’re changing their brand, and she wanted to give me a $200 gift certificate to spend. It was promptly delivered, and it wasn’t used until recently for the purchase of new bed linens for our new super pillow top comfortable mattress set.

Up until JCPenny contacted me with their much needed gift, my life was a hurricane of stress, sleeplessness nights, and regrets. Then, my life instantaneously started to change. Suddenly, I had a freelance job. As the job gradually started cutting hours, my sudden luck made sure I made a smooth transition into a full-time position as a Graphic Designer with a large Brooklyn non-profit organization. With this new 9 to 5 schedule, the gift certificate remained untouched on my desk until we could determine how to maximize its benefits.

With these new hours, I’m blogging less about food. Having fewer hours doesn’t justify eating unhealthy meals. When I originally started MyLifeRunsOnFood.com, it was meant to share ideas about eating healthy on a busy schedule. When I was unemployed, my leisurely hours between resumes were spent experimenting with tedious recipes–such as making homemade bread and pasta from scratch. Now, I come home longing to eat a simple and less-time consuming meal. This current recipe, Pink Peppercorn and Tarragon Chicken Salad has a quick prepping and serving time, especially if using rotisserie chicken meat from a reputable grocery store. It’s a great Summer dinner with a spicy taste, and it packs well for lunch the next day.

These days, my creative mind is less focused on food. Instead it’s on window linens, picture frames, furniture, mattresses, towels, shelves and contractors. Everyday household items we take for granted, needs to be purchased or replaced in our home. My boyfriend is looking at new televisions. A new mattress and a dresser is being delivered soon. I’m saving for a new computer.

Who knew JCPenny was delivering fortuitous gift certificates. Perhaps, it’s part of their long-term innovative brand strategy, because it’s working like a lucky charm. When we found time to use our gift certificate, we ordered crisp white bed sheets. It’s a simple purchase, but a luxurious choice. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a full night’s rest, and with our home currently being organized into a comfort zone and while working hard at a new job…we deserve JCPenny’s gift certificate.

Pink Peppercorn and Tarragon Chicken Salad

Please note, this salad is a tad spicy.

Ingredients
2 to 3 cups diced, cooked chicken breast
2 to 3 celery stalks; diced
1 green bell pepper; diced
1 small red onion; diced
1 chili pepper; seeds and ribs discarded; diced
1 pickle; diced or ¼ cup pickled relish (love Rick’s Picks’ Bee and Beez)
1 tbsp. crushed pink peppercorns (use a garlic press to crush pink peppercorns)
Sea salt and fresh black pepper; to taste
A pinch of crushed red pepper
A dash of celery seed
1 cup minced fresh tarragon
1 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
The juice of one lime
⅛ cup olive oil mayonnaise; use more as needed
¼ cup Greek plain yogurt; use more as needed
1 tsp. whole grain mustard
⅛ cup quality olive oil; use more as needed
Garnish: Sliced radishes and toasted pita wheat bread

Directions
1. Gently mix all ingredients together in a medium to large bowl.
2. If salad is too dry, add more mayo, yogurt, or olive oil. Adjust seasoning.
3. Serve with sliced radishes and toasted pita wheat bread.
4. Enjoy!