Shelly's Recipe

WINTER FRUIT SALAD WITH LEMON POPPYSEED DRESSING

Category: Fruit Salads

1/4 c white sugar
1/2 c lemon juice
2 t diced onion
1 t Dijon-style prepared mustard
1/2 t salt
2/3 c vegetable oil
1 T poppy seeds
1 head romaine lettuce, torn to bite size pieces
4 oz Monterey jack cheese, cubed
1 c cashews
1/4 c dried cranberries
1 apple, cored and diced
1 pear, cored and diced

In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. Add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds and process a few seconds more to mix.

In a bowl, combine lettuce, cheese, cashews, cranberries, apple and pear. Pour dressing over just before serving. Toss to coat.

NOTES: Many people will find that there is too much dressing, but I always just coat the salad until desired, and save the rest of the dressing for later. I think that the cashews could be substituted for any kind of nut, and the cheese could be changed for preference as well.