Pickled Onions

1 medium red onion, quartered lengthwise, divided

1½ teaspoons pickling spice mixture

1 cup white wine vinegar

½ cup water

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons kosher salt

Chicken Salad

4 chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)

⅓ teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon plus a pinch of kosher salt, divided

½ teaspoon plus a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, divided

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped chives

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

1 teaspoon smoked salt

Sandwich

4 thin slices sourdough bread

½ Bosc pear, thinly sliced lengthwise into 8 pieces

4 ounces Camembert cheese, sliced into 6 long, thin slices