food, yummy food

I know I am always in need of some new recipes to try. So, for anyone interested, my friend Traci is starting a recipe exchange blog. If you would like to join let me--or Traci--know!

deceptively delicious--part 2

Once again, in my effort to branch out and eat more veggies I took up a challenge. My wonderful sister Amy sent me this recipe--guaranteeing that if I tried it not only would I love it but that I wouldn't even know I was eating broccoli. So, last night I went for it. I certainly knew I was eating broccoli--by sheer fact that I could see it. But, let me tell you, my taste buds didn't know I was eating the horrible little trees. Yes, Amy, I did love it. I don't know if I love broccoli yet but it's a start. Here's the recipe for anyone who wants to try it... broccoli lovers and haters alike:

Bacon Broccoli Salad
2 bunches of broccoli (cut into small pieces--you don't want big florets. They should be pretty small)
1/4 - 1/2 red onion chopped small
10 strips bacon (or the real bacon bits... it's much easier)
1 cup sunflower seeds

dressing:
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup sugar
2 TB red wine vinegar

Pour dressing on salad. Mix. Chill. Enjoy!

YUM!

With strawberries at only 88 cents per pound I'm trying to take full advantage of the situation. Sunday I made a strawberry pie... which was scrumptious if I do say so myself. Good enough that my brother-in-law declared "no whipped cream required." So if any of you have suggestions for strawberries... send them my way. Last night we had a salad that was absolutely yummy so I thought I'd share it with you... salad is always good for summer because it doesn't heat up the house! Plus it's super easy. Anyway, I hope you like this. I don't use the exact amounts for everything except the dressing (which by the way makes the salad... a must have). I use a lot less won tons, nuts/seeds and chicken. Enjoy!!!

Chicken Won Ton Salad

Fry ahead of time: 1 small package of won ton skins. Won tons should be cut into thirds and fried until golden and crispy. Set aside.

In a salad bowl, mix the following:

• 1 head of lettuce
• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 small package sliced almonds, toasted* - optional
• 1/2 c. sesame seeds, toasted * - optional
• 3 green onions

Dressing:

• 1/4 c. oil
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
• Dash of salt, or to taste

*To toast: place on cookie sheet and broil for about a minute, watch carefully.