Honeycrisp Salad

 

I'm always looking for something new for a family occasion and with Easter is right around the corner, I was on the hunt. I fell upon this recipe, and I had most of the ingredients already in the house! I considered that a "sign"! This is a crisp and refreshing salad combining sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy broccoli, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for gatherings or as a healthy side dish, this salad is packed with flavor and texture from fresh ingredients and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped

3 large Honeycrisp apples, diced

5 ounces dried cranberries

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cans of Sprite (or any lemon lime soda)

For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3-4 tablespoons honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and dice the apples and soak them in Sprite for 15 minutes. Drain well then start mixing your salad.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, shredded carrots, shredded cheddar and red onion (if using).

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Note, your dressing should be very light and just barely coat your salad. Resist the urge to add additional dressing. Less is really best in this dish.

Peach Fluff

I just couldn't believe this recipe when I found it!  It's been a long Winter, and I am overly eager for Spring to be upon us.  This Peach Fluff is super simple, inexpensive and it took me longer to type this recipe than it did to make a batch!  The minute I poured up the first batch, I turned right back around in my kitchen and made a second batch!  One will not be enough when people taste this!

You'll need:

1 large (29 ounce) can of peaches (halved or sliced, either is fine)

14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk

1 small (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping

1 large (7.56 ounce) chocolate bar - finely chopped

Drain your peaches from the juice and let then stand for a few minutes. Add the drained peaches to your blender and pulse until you have a smooth juice consistency.  Add 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and pulse again until well blended.  

Transfer your mixture to a large bowl and gently fold in one small tub of whipped topping.  Once everything is well combined, gently fold in your finely chopped chocolate.  Transfer to serving dishes and place in the freezer for four hours or overnight.

Notes:

If you prefer to make your own whipped topping be my guest.  I've tried that several times and my homemade is just not as good as what you get in the freezer section at the grocery.  

If you are watching your fat and sugars, there is a fat free sweetened condensed milk that you can substitute.  There is also a Splenda option that is sugar free.

I used sugar free whipped topping.

There are sugar free chocolate options available,

Its easiest if you put your chocolate bar in the refrigerator prior to making this dish as chocolate is easier to handle cold.  

You may discard the peach juices or save it for another recipe.  When blended with butter and cinnamon sugar that makes a nice spread for toast.