Peach Tree Circle Memories

I worked in a quaint little tea room on the Cape from 1996-2005. We grew our own fruits, veggies, and flowers, baked from scratch, and served up all our creations every afternoon during lunch time. I learned a great deal about agriculture, cooking and baking, dishwashing, customer service, creativity, and even management and accounting in my time there!

I have some fond memories of my time at Peach Tree...
-the little old ladies with heir tip cards and coach purses and Jackie O sunglasses
-my sister entertaining me in the dishroom claiming she sweat so much back their she looked like a "feed the children" commercial
-a difficult customer who insisted on calling me "Loren, the little French Maid" every day I worked for about 3 years

...But the best thing of all about Peach Tree Circle was our delicious food. Two of my favorite, most simple recipes to make were the Vegetarian Vegetable soup and the Chicken Salad (served on a platter with fruit or in a sandwich). I share these favorites with you here because sadly, Peach Tree is no longer in business :-(

Chicken Salad
(Makes about 4 servings. Great for a quick gourmet lunch or appetizer platter for a luncheon. Looks beautiful on a serving platter alongside some tuna salad and egg salad set on a bed of lettuce)
2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup red grapes cut in half
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 Tbsp mayonnaise (I use light canola mayo)
salt and pepper to taste
(I also like adding a little white onion)

Mix well and enjoy!

Vegetable Soup
(makes about 10 servings....I often do this as a make ahead meal. It is a nice winter alternative to salad!)
64 ounces V8 Vegeable juice
16-32 ounces water (depending on your thickness preference)
2 heads broccoli
1 onion
2 heads cauliflower
10 mushrooms
1 lb carrots
any other veggies you might want to throw in

Chop veggies, pour all ingredients in a large pot, boil, then turn down to low. Let cook slowly for 2 hours. I like to add extra black pepper and some chili powder for some kick! Garlic, parsely, and onion powde also work well. Enjoy!

I hope others can share in my enjoyment for Peach Tree foods, even though you won't get the full effect of the Cape Cod organic farm/tearoom!