Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

Thanks for this recipe mom. By the way, multiply the vinaigrette 5 times and you get about 1 quart!







Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons minced shallots (about 1 medium)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon country-style Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup vertically sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped Braeburn apple
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pecans and remaining ingredients; toss well to coat.

Pizza Popcorn

A Sunday afternoon favorite!
1 stick butter
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. Italian seasoning (I use TS Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning a F/W 2008-09 product)
1 t. paprika
1/2 t salt
dash pepper
2 T Parm. Cheese

In a stock pot add enough oil to cover bottom over med hi heat. Sprinkle some salt over oil. Cover and let heat a bit. Add 3 kernels and cover. When one pops, add enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pan. Put lid on and shake until done popping. While popping melt butter in small skillet. Add seasonings. Turn off heat and wait till popcorn is done. Toss butter/seasonings with popcorn and add Parm. cheese. May add more salt if needed.

EASIER VERSION:

Mix up your seasoning with melted butter and toss with 3 qts. popped corn, then add cheese.

Cream of "Anything" Soup Mix

I have been trying not to by Cream of Chicken soups, a previous staple in my pantry. It's just really not that healthy, yet it makes a great base for casseroles. I love to take left over meat, left over veggies, add noodles, a little sour cream, a cream of something soup and then season bake and maybe add a little cheese and some sort of crumb on top (panko, breadcrumbs, leftover potato chips, or even gold fish crackers crumbled).

Anyway, I found this recipe and tweeked it (of course) and I used it tonight to make tuna noodle casserole and discovered that this recipe is a keeper and I don't have to buy the cream of something soups:)
MINIMAL FAT.....NO SODIUM....
Cream Soup Mix

2 c. instant nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c chicken bouilon granules
2 T Onion Onion (that's Tastefully Simple) you could use minced onion I supposed...or call me:)
1/2 t dried thyme
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t pepper

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container. Makes 3 cups dry mix.

For a condensed cream soup substitute:
Blend 1/3 c mix and 1 1/4 c water in a small saucepan or micro safe dish until smooth. Bring to a boil or micro for 2 1/2 to 3 min. Stir occasionally; cool. Use as a substitue for 1 (10.75oz) can of condensed cream of chicken, celery or mushroom soup.