Craisin Salad

Here is a salad I tasted for the first time around 8 or 9 years ago at a family gathering. When I realized I was still thinking about this salad weeks or maybe even months after eating it, I made my husband call his aunt and get the recipe! You will not be disappointed with this salad. It is really easy to make and tastes great with a variety of main dishes. Give it a try!

Salad:

1 head of Romaine

1 C. sliced almonds

2 to 3 TBS. sugar

1 C. craisins

1/3 C. purple onion, sliced in paper thin quarters

Dressing:

1/2 C. apple cider vinegar

1/4 C. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. onion salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/3 C. extra light olive oil

Mix well.

Break the lettuce into bite sized pieces and add to a large serving bowl.

In a frying pan over low to medium heat, add the sugar. Sprinkle in the almonds. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the almonds are coated. Dump out onto a cookie sheet and spread out into a single layer. Let cool.

Once the almonds are cool, add them to the lettuce. Add the craisins and purple onion also. Add dressing just before serving.

Serves 10 people.

Thanks Aunt Jaynie!

Broccoli Salad

Surprisingly, this is a recipe I found on my own when I was in college.

I say this is "surprising" because sometimes it seems like the things I ate in college, were really ONLY good while I was IN college. BUT I have to say, this recipe CONTINUES to get GREAT reviews every time!

Salad:

1 lb. broccoli florets

1/2 lb. bacon (cooked & crumbled)

1/2 C. cashews

1/2 C. raisins

Combine all together in a serving bowl.

Dressing:

1 C. mayo

1/2 C. sugar

1 TBS. vinegar

Mix well.

Add dressing to salad immediately before serving.

Thanks "internet" (sorry, I don't remember the website . . . it was so long ago!)