Strawberry Romain Salad

While strawberries are still in season you have got to try this salad!  It is SO GOOD!  The recipe comes from The Essential Mormon Cookbook...with a few tweaks that I have made.  Almost every time I am assigned to bring a salad to a family gathering or party I bring this one.  One trick that I have learned is to prepare everything separately and assemble the salad right before you eat...otherwise it gets soggy and gross.

Strawberry Romain Salad

• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced (I have also used Craisins when strawberries aren't in season)
• 2 heads of Romain lettuce, chopped (the recipe calls for spinach...but I like Romain better)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 recipe Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

In a medium skillet, toast almonds on medium high heat.  Add 1/4 cup sugar and stir constantly until sugar melts and almonds toast to a golden brown.  Spread almonds on wax paper to dry and cool.  Put strawberries, almonds, lettuce, and dressing in separate containers and combine right before you eat.  

Honey Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp poppy seeds

Mix all ingredients except oil and poppy seeds in a blender.  Gradually add oil and poppy seeds and continue blending.  

Enjoy!