Broccoli has never been and will never be Mr. C’s favorite vegetable. I serve it to him quite often however because it’s one of my favorite veggies. (It’s really all about me, remember?) So try as I may to find new and fabulous ways to serve the lowly Brassica oleracea Botrytis cymosa, about 90% of the time my tries are less than amazing. (That’s putting it nicely!) But this salad (slightly modified from a recipe that came from a friend of a friend), is just so delicious that Mr. C. will actually go back for seconds! I do realize that he might only like this salad because of the bacon, but I’m choosing to think not. I’m going to live in my own little “world of denial” on this one and give him the benefit of the doubt. Ain’t love grand!

• 5-6 c. bite sized pieces of fresh broccoli
  ½ lb. bacon cooked and chopped
  1 small red onion, diced
  ½ c. golden raisins
  1 c. light mayonnaise
  1 T. sugar
  2 T. white wine vinegar
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 c. sunflower seeds

Combine broccoli, bacon, onion, and raisins in a salad bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and pepper. When ready to serve, toss broccoli with dressing and sunflower seeds. Serve immediately.