Spinach Salad with Strawberries

Dressing:

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. strawberry jam

Salad:

1/3 c. sugar
1 c. cashew pieces (I use slivered almonds)
1 large head red leaf lettuce
1 pkg. fresh spinach, with stems trimmed
1 c. strawberries, sliced

To make dressing, mix together vinegar, sugar, oil, mustard, salt, and strawberry jam. Mix until all ingredients are well blended. Set aside.

Heat a medium frying pan and add sugar and nuts. Stir constantly over medium heat until nuts are coated and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

When ready to serve salad, put lettuce, spinach, and strawberries into a large bowl and toss, add sugared nuts. Can add dressing and toss or serve on the side.

Variation:
Use fresh raspberries and raspberry jam instead of strawberries and strawberry jam. Substitute almonds for cashews. Can also add mandarin oranges.

from the kitchen of Alyse Hansen