In his latest memoir, actor Stanley Tucci reveals a fondness for tuna sandwiches, a craving that originated during his days of searching Manhattan for a “hearty and affordable meal.” Tucci describes tuna salad and chicken salad as classic comfort foods, which inspired him to recreate these dishes at home. He emphasizes that no chicken salad is complete without mayonnaise.
Tucci attempted to make mayonnaise from scratch using a technique he learned from Chef Aurelien, but the results were disappointing. He found the sunflower oil he used to be “so potent that it tasted dreadful,” leading him to discard the batch after considerable effort, joking that he had “practically torn a rotator cuff” trying to emulsify the mixture.
Ultimately, Tucci opted for Hellmann’s mayonnaise, stating, “It’s the one I actually love.” To prepare his chicken salad, he combines Hellmann’s mayo with chopped chicken, finely diced celery, and chives, spreading the mixture on toasted crackers and topping it with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.
Tucci’s preference for Hellmann’s is understandable, especially as the brand has garnered a loyal following. While some may prefer Duke’s, as noted by fans like Stephen Colbert, Hellmann’s was recognized as the 2023 Allrecipes Community Awards winner. Allrecipes Allstars praised its “light and creamy texture with just the right amount of oil,” along with a “bright flavor and delicate sweetness that is irresistible.”
With endorsements from culinary icons like Julia Child and now Stanley Tucci, Hellmann’s remains a top choice for those craving chicken or tuna salad.
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