There is something so wonderful about having your children request their favorite from your recipe repertoire.  It validates the dish and is a way to do something special for a beloved child, especially as they get older and subtle ways of saying ‘I love you’ are more appreciated than the embarrassing hugs and kisses in public…”mom, please, no pda’s”.

This became Erin’s salad when she was in junior high and she prefers it with butter or Bibb or Boston lettuce and the dressing is Kathy’s ‘go to’ basic vinaigrette from a previous post.  The addition of tangy mandarin oranges and nutty sliced, roasted almonds, adds a nice contrast to the sweet spiceness of the vinaigrette.  I don’t know if it is still her favorite, with the thousands of salads she now has in her repertoire, but I post this recipe as a thank you to Erin for all her work on designing ‘For the Love of Garlic’ and pushing, guiding all of us to get blogging!!  LY

Erin’s Salad

1 head Bibb lettuce, rinsed dried and torn in pieces

1/4 c. mandarin oranges

1/4- 1/2 sliced roasted almonds (350 oven for 2-3 minutes)

Kathy’s ‘go to’ basic vinaigrette(posted on ‘For the Love of Garlic’)

Prep lettuce and roast almonds.  Just before serving add oranges, almonds and dressing and toss to coat liberally with dressing.  Delicious with all grilled meats, or alone in a huge bowl!!