Wonderful, Fruity-Nutty, Cheesy Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Remember how the Margarita Salad was my 2007 Salad of the Year? Well, this one is my 2008 Salad of the Year. It's absolutely delicious!! In fact, since I was introduced to it by a family friend of my in-laws, I've made it every weekend.

WONDERFUL, FRUITY-NUTTY, CHEESY SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING

Dressing:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup mayo (I use Miracle Whip)
• 4 tablespoon sour cream
• 2 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 4 tablespoon vinegar

Mix all these ingredients together in a blender for 30 seconds. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Salad:

• Romaine lettuce
• Baby spinach
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced strawberries
• Sliced pears
• Chopped avocado
• Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Candied slivered almonds (see below)
• Toasted pine nuts

Put this in a bowl in the order listed, starting with the Romaine on the bottom and pine nuts on top. Serve with dressing and let people pour their own amount on individual plates.

Candied Almonds: Heat equal parts sugar and almonds in a skillet on the stove. Stir with a wooden spoon CONSTANTLY until golden brown.