California Chicken Salad

 

My version. I chose their Balsamic Vinegar Dressing and bought a pint of theirs for $3.25, to take home. (I tried to duplicate it below) You can definitely taste the apple cider vinegar in theirs and it’s sweetness. Honey Mustard Dressing would be a good choice also

 

9-oz. bag Spring Mix Salad Greens (romaine, iceberg, shredded carrots, red cabbage)

1 medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings

4-oz. cup mandarin oranges (they come in a pkg. of 4, 4-oz. cups, on the fruit isle)To

1 pint fresh strawberries

Sweet Cherry tomatoes

Pecans or Walnuts (see “tips”)

Dried Cranberries

Bleu Cheese Crumbles, 1 small tub

1 medium size chicken breast, sprinkled well with Greek Seasoning and cooked. Then sliced into 4 “fingers” (we cook our chicken on the George Forman) OR you could just buy chicken tenders

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (or your choice)

 

The following directions make a lot. Use the amounts at your discretion, as for an entrée or side salad. I didn’t measure, I just scatter what I thought looked good, keeping things in layers. Don’t toss until you’re at the table ready to eat. It’s pretty in layers.

In this order:

A bed of lettuce

Scatter:

1 red onion ring, separated

Mandarin oranges slices

3 or 4 sliced strawberries

3 or 4 Cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Small handful toasted nuts

Dried cranberries

About ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles

Pour the desired amount of dressing evenly over salad (1/4 to 1/3rd cup)

Then place the chicken strips on top.

 

Balsamic Vinagrette:

Whisk together:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 - 1½ tsp. light corn syrup

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Slowly whisk in ¼ cup ex-virgin olive oil

Pour into a salad dressing carafe and shake well

 

Note: the corn syrup not only sweetens the dressing but helps to thicken it.

Turtle Cookies

 

A bar cookie that will bring you raves!

 

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup light brown sugar

½ cup butter, softened

 

Caramel Layer:

1 cup pecan halves

2/3 cup butter

½ cup light brown sugar

 

Topping:

1½  cups chocolate chips

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crust ingredients, mixing until fine crumbs. Pat firmly in ungreased 9x13x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over unbaked crust. Combine the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for one minute. Pour over pecans. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Then immediately scatter the chocolate chips evenly over top. Allow them to melt slightly for a couple of minutes, then “swirl” them, leaving some whole for a marbled look. (Do not spread them!)  Cool completely  and cut into bars.  Makes 3 to 4 dozen