Better Days

The sun is shining, it's warming up, my boys are in a good mood, and our dinner guests had to cancel for tonight. That means a good day with a lot less to get done.

No pity party today so I thought I'd share my favorite new salad concoction... feels like summer. Add chicken if you want a meal.

Strawberry Salad

3/4 c Almonds, chopped
1 T Sugar
1 lb Romaine, rinsed and torn
1 c Strawberries, sliced or chunked
1 c Chow Mein noodles
1/2 c Celery, finely chopped

DRESSING
1 T Toasted sesame seeds
1 T Poppy seeds
1/2 c White Sugar
2 t Minced onion
1/4 t Paprika
1 c White wine vinegar
1 t Cinnamon
2/3 c Canola oil
1 t Sesame oil

In a medium saucepan,cook and stir almonds until lightly toasted, add sugar and still constantly until candied. Spread on a plate to cool. Break up nuts when cooled.

In a large bowl, combine lettuce, almonds, strawberries, noodles, and celery.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, vinegars, and oils. (makes enough for two salads - extra can be stored for another salad). Toss with salad just before serving.