Mandarin Salad for Jimmy and Mary

Okay, so I know it's been a while since I posted, but it's been a heckuva year.   A REAL heckuva year.  But, I've still been cooking and sharing food with family and friends, so have no fear:  Recipes are here.
As a little welcome back, I thought I'd post a much-requested recipe for Mandarin Salad, an easy, yummy, always-have-this-stuff-on-hand salad that is great with fish or chicken, or if you are having any kind of Pan-Asian menu on your buffet.  I, for one, love to keep it simple:  I served this last week with some Grilled Steelhead that rubbed with some sesame oil and soy sauce and a little black pepper.  I grilled the fish skin-side down and, along with this salad, it was a yummy, delicious meal to share with my brothers, their families and my mother and her husband.  


Mandarin Salad
1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 T sugar
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 whole green onions, chopped
1- 11-oz can of mandarin oranges, drained
Dressing:
1/2 tsp salt
dash pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 T chopped parsley
2 T sugar (I have also used Splenda and it worked well)
2 T white wine vinegar (I often use apple cider vinegar)
dash Tabasco


On medium heat, cook almonds and sugar, stirring constantly until almonds are coated and sugar dissolved.  Stir until they are evenly browned, though be careful NOT to overcook.  Watch 'em closely, they will burn once the sugar starts to caramelize.  Cool almonds and store in airtight container.
Mix all dressing ingredients and store in airtight container.
Mix lettuce, celery and green onions.  Just before serving add almonds and oranges.  Toss with dressing.
Note:  Almonds and dressing can be done ahead of time, so this makes a great salad for taking with you to pot-lucks and such.


I love, love, LOVE this salad and pretty much everyone who tries is loves it too:  After I served it last week for my family, my brother in Richmond AND his daughter at UVa both called and texted me to get the recipe.  Jimmy and Mary, I hope your friends enjoy this salad with you!  xoxoxox


Oh, and for those of you who've wondered where the recipes are:  There will be more.  I've been working on several posts and will get them on here ASAP, I promise.  A new school year, some new recipes!