This is one of the easiest to prepare and best tasting salads you will ever have the pleasure of devouring or serving to others. (Sharing, is actually optional. I should know because I swear, I could eat this whole salad all by myself. Well, at least my taste buds think it’s a good idea. My stomach and brain on the other hand, are not quite up to the challenge. But believe me, if I could, I would! And guilt be damned!)
Anyway, next time you need a really delicious salad to impress the pickles out of someone (even if it’s yourself), I suggest you follow this recipe to the letter. It’s just a fabulous mix of ingredients.
Well, that’s it for today. We are heading out of town for a few days leaving our home and cats in the capable hands of our dear friend Peggy. We will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary with Andy’s best man (Jim) and his wife (Margo). It only makes sense to celebrate with these two fabulous people because they went with us on our honeymoon. Along with my maid of honor Linda, who BTW gave me this wonderful recipe, we all had a great time skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort (think Big Mountain) north of Whitefish, Montana.
And no, we are not going skiing again to celebrate this momentous occasion. Our knees simply aren’t up to swooshing down a mountain side any longer. So, we are going in the opposite direction. We are going to the coast. Where we will sit in comfy chairs at a condo, with good books in hand and try to remember to occasionally look outside to check the condition of the sky and water. Then, at about 5:00 pm every evening, we will rally ourselves enough to enjoy a pre-dinner drink before setting off to dine at one of the local eateries. That’s about as active as we plan to be except for the occasional walk along the town’s short board walk. Or into one of the small towns along the coast to check out any art galleries that might possibly be open in the off season. Or visit the local bakery for a little something. We might even go to a movie one evening, if there’s anything playing that is of any interest at all. But that’s about it!
But even if this sounds terribly sedentary to you, to us it sounds like a perfect way to celebrate. However anyone chooses to mark a special occasion, they should always be honored. Because milestones matter. People matter. And to my thinking, special attention should always be paid to birthdays, anniversaries, achievements earned, etc. We only go around once my friends. And the more we can celebrate with each other, the better it enriches each of our lives.
Peace and love to all.
3 T. raspberry vinegar
3 T. honey
⅓ c. extra virgin olive oil
tiny pinch kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
8 very thin slices red onion, separated
12 c. coarsely chopped red leaf lettuce
1-2 bosc pears, thinly sliced
⅓ c. toasted chopped walnuts
⅓ c. crumbled blue, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort cheese
Whisk the vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a large salad bowl. Add the red onion slices.
Just before serving, gently toss the lettuce, pear slices, walnuts, and blue cheese together with the dressing and onions. Serve immediately.