Yummy Tossed salad

1/2 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Onion
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2/3 Cup Canola Oil
2 Teaspoons Poppy Seeds
10 Cups Torn Romaine Lettuce
1 Cup Shredded Swiss Cheese
1 Medium Apple -- chopped
1 Medium Pear -- chopped
1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
3/4 Cup Chopped Cashews

For the dressing, in a blender or food processor, combine the first 5 ingredients. With machine running,slowly add canola oil. Stir in poppy seeds.
In a salad bowl, combine the lettuce, cheese, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle desired mount of dressing and mix well. Just before serving, add cashews.

Easy Pimento Cheese

8 Ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8 Ounces Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
4 Ounce Jar Diced Pimentos
1/2 Medium Red Onion -- diced
1 Cup Mayonnaise -- or more if needed
3 Cloves Garlic -- finely minced
1 Teaspoon Hot Smoked Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Celery Seed
Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste

In a medium bowl, combine cheeses, pimentos (with juice), onion, mayonnaise, paprika and celery seed. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.


NOTES : This is wonderful for sandwiches (recommend white bread). I didn't have hot smoked paprika, so I added a pinch or two of cayenne pepper. Turned out great!