Broccoli Slaw

This recipe was first introduced to me by my Aunt Cheryl.  I absolutely love the fresh and crunchy texture of this slaw.  I have to admit I made this for dinner last night, but we ate it all before I remembered to take a picture.  I'm sure I'll be making it soon and update with a picture.

1/4 C. Oil
2 t. Soy sauce
1/3 - 1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Vinegar
1 t. Sesame oil (if you have it)

 
5 green onions (including stems)
1 package broccoli slaw
3/4 C. Rice noodles (Chow Mein noodles)
3/4 C. Cashews
1/2 C. Sunflower seeds

Whisk together the first group of ingredients, until a dressing forms. Add in second group of ingredients and toss until well coated.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to marinate and chill before serving.

Note:  I made this for dinner and didn't get home in time to let it marinate for longer than 45 minutes to an hour.  It still turned out quite well, but had a little extra crunch.

Broccoli Salad

I absolutely big puffy heart LOVE this salad.  I'm a huge fan of broccoli and it can only be made better with onions and bacon.  It's a great summertime classic, but I'm very excited to have fresh broccoli year round to make it whenever I like.

1 large head broccoli, chopped

1 mild red onion, chopped

1 cup grated Swiss cheese

1/2 cup crisp cooked bacon

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional

1/2 cup cashews or peanuts, optional

Dressing:

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup mayo

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

Mix dressing and let set at least 3 hours before combining with other ingredients.

Grape Salad

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering and one of my aunts had made it.  I was a bit nervous to try it because the combination seemed funny. It was absolutely delicious.  I can't wait to make it again soon.

3 pounds seedless grapes - plucked, washed, and dried
1 8oz block cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
1 8oz container sour cream

Mix cream cheese, vanilla, and sour cream; add grapes.

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnut halves

Mix together and sprinkle on top of grape mixture.

Christmas Treats Day 12: Lime Jell-O / Mom's Smith Salad

This is my mom's absolutely favorite Jell-O salad and her mom (my grandma) makes it for every holiday gathering at her house.  I don't remember her bringing it to any other family gathering, so I've decided to include it in the Christmas recipes.

1 large package lime Jell-O

1½ cups boiling water

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup finely chopped celery

½ cup walnuts

1 can crushed pineapple with juice

1 jar diced maraschino cherries

8 oz Cool Whip

Mix Jell-O, water, and cream cheese well.  Add celery, walnuts, pineapple and juice, and cherries.  Let partially set; stir.  Add in Cool Whip and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Snickers Salad

4 apples, diced

4 bananas, slices

4 Snickers bars, crushed*

8 oz container Cool Whip

2 small boxes instant French vanilla pudding

2 cups milk

Mix pudding as directed with milk.  Fold in Cool Whip.  Add fruit and Snickers.  Chill to set.

*Freeze Snickers and either cut with a knife while partially frozen or place in Ziploc and crush with a hammer. You may use Fruit Fresh or lemon juice on fruit to keep from browning.

Seafood (Crabmeat) Salad

I fell in love with the deli seafood salad at a local grocery store but hated paying $5/pound, so I created this recipe to make it at home.

1 cup light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons milk

1 cup imitation crabmeat, flaked and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

·   

Combine the first five ingredients (mayo, sugar, salt, white vinegar, and milk) and whisk or stir until mixed thoroughly.  It should be somewhat liquid.  Next, add the crabmeat, celery, and almonds.  Mix up and refrigerate for an hour before eating.  I typically eat mine on crackers.

*You don’t have to chill first, but it tastes better if you do.

Seafood Pasta Salad

4-6 servings

½ cup mayo
¼ cup Italian dressing
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup broccoli flowerets, partially cooked
½ cup chopped green pepper
2 cups corkscrew or small seashell noodles, cooked and drained
1½ cups chopped tomato
¼ cup green onion slices
1½ cups imitation crab meat

Combine dressings and cheese and mix well. It should not taste like Italian dressing or mayo when mixed. Add remaining ingredients, mix well, and chill.

I have been known to make this without tomato or green pepper and it still tastes great. Feel free to adapt to your preferences.

Seven Layer Salad

Most people I know make a variety of versions of this recipe. This is my personal favorite to take as a dish to pass. However, when making it for myself I omit the peas and have 6 layer salad.

Lettuce
Onion
Celery
Frozen peas
Shredded cheese
Cooked bacon
Dressing: Miracle Whip, sugar, milk

Layer each item in order. Mix together dressing and let it set on top for a few hours. Toss just before serving.

This salad looks prettiest when served in a trifle dish or in a clear bowl so the layers show.

Broccoli Slaw

Cut up and mix together in 8 x 8 pan (double recipe for 9 x 13 pan):

1 stalk celery
5 green onions (including stems)
1 package broccoli slaw
3/4 C. Rice Noodles
3/4 C. Cashews
1/2 C. Sunflower Seeds

In separate bowl, add the following and mix until well blended:
1/4 C. Oil
2 t. Soy Sauce
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Vinegar
1 t. Sesame Oil

Pour liquid mixture over other ingredients and stir until all are coated well. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to marinate and chill before serving.