This is a great winter salad because the bacon and fennel can be served on the spinach a little warm. The caramelized bacon is a great compliment to the fennel which gives a bold flavor to the salad. I usually find fennel too strong, but caramelizing it makes it more mild and sweet. This is an easy salad that looks beautiful.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl combine:
6 slices of uncooked bacon, chopped
1 bulb of …

This wonderful and easy recipe came to me via my mother-in-law. It is a wonderful dish to serve at a party because it has to be prepared the day before.
In a medium bowl, mix together:
1 16oz can tiny peas, drained
1 12 oz white corn, drained
1 16oz can black beans – rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
In a small saucepan, heat to boiling:
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
dashes of tobasco to taste
Pour over veggies and place in …

One of my closest friends and mother of twins, sent me this great salad recipe. She is a great cook and very busy, so this recipe is perfect when you have your hands full. It is easy to make and has a similar taste to a 1905 Salad.
2 T Dijon mustard
2 T red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, grated
¼ c extra virgin olive oil
4 springs tarragon, leaves removed and chopped
Salt and ground black pepper
1 bunch asparagus, woody ends discarded, blanched and thinly sliced on angle
*1 lb deli-sliced turkey, cut …

This is a great dressing to serve along side any Mexican food or grilled meat. The cilantro leaves look so pretty in this orange colored dressing. You can even use it as a marinade for chicken, pork or fish.
Combine in a small bowl:
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon chilie powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Whisk together and pour over your favorite salad. Refrigerate unused dressing.
Makes about 1 cup

This is one of my favorite salads. It is perfect for a summer dinner or brunch. The sweet dressing and pretty strawberries make it seem like a dessert. You can add grilled or poached chicken and cubed avocado to make it into a meal as well.
In a large bowl combine:
1 pound washed spinach leaves
*1 pint of sliced washed strawberries
about 1/2 cup Poppy Seed Dressing (which follows)
Poppy Seed Dressing (makes 1 cup)
In a small saucepan, over low heat melt:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
Once sugar has dissolved, remove …