Homemade Croutons and Italian Dressing

Crouton ingredients

1 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp light oil (EVOO)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tsp oregano
1 Tsp thyme
5 slices day-old white bread

Melt butter in a skillet and then add the oil.  Mix in the remaining ingredients except for the bread.  Cut the crust off the bread and then cut them into 1/2 inch cubes.  Fry slowly until lightly brown.

Italian Dressing ingredients

3 Tbsp oil (EVOO)
2 Tbsp vinegar (white wine)
salt
black pepper
1/2 Tsp minced garlic
1/2 Tsp italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix together well.

Our review

The croutons were not exciting but they were eatable.  The salad dressing tasted like a traditional Italian salad dressing.

Romaine Salad with Pecan and Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients

5 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/2 Tsp salt

1/4 Tsp ground black pepper

1/4 pound blue cheese crumbles

1/2 C chopped pecans

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into pieces

Combine oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl.  Add half of the blue cheese and mash it into the dressing.  Add 1/4 cup of pecans and mix.  Add the romaine, toss to coat.  Top with the remaining blue cheese and pecans.

Our Review

This was very blue cheese-y, a little too much.  Otherwise it was good.

Source

Apple Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and julienned
• 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 6 cups torn romaine lettuce
• Place the julienned apple into a bowl with the balsamic vinaigrette. Refrigerate for at least one hour to marinate.  Cook bacon in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain, and crumble.  In a salad bowl, combine the blue cheese, pecans, bacon and romaine lettuce, and toss to blend. When ready to serve, pour the apples and dressing over the top

Our Review

It was a lot of dressing, use less next time.  Otherwise it was good.

Source