Chicken and Apple Salad Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions

Oh my goodness. I'm insane about caramelized onions! Love 'em to death. It baffles me how an unsuspecting onion can turn into something so sweet with a little patience (and olive oil). When I make a batch (which I find myself doing frequently as of late) I'm always fishing out little strands of onion to nibble on as I go. How can I tell they're done? They develop a deep brown hue and rich candy-like flavor.

This is a strange succulent sandwich. A step up from an ordinary chicken salad sandwich. Instead of including crunchy raw onions in the mayo mixture, which is the traditional approach, this baby is topped with warm, soft, sweet onion strands. The apples and walnuts provide bulk and crunch to the salad. Then there's the onions and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Go light on the mayo- you just need enough to bring the ingredients together.

INGREDIENTS
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 small chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded or diced
1 crisp apple, diced (Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise, adjust to the consistency you desire
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp. honey
fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
4 slices whole wheat bread, toasted

DIRECTIONS
1. To caramelize onions, preheat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until well-browned and soft (about 30 minutes).

2. In a medium size bowl, combine chicken, apple, walnuts, and mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt, pepper, honey, and parsley. Spread over two slices of toasted whole wheat bread. Top with a generous amount of caramelized onions and the second slice of bread. Cut and serve.

Makes 2 sandwiches.

(Adapted from Rookie Cookie)