The Gourmet Librarian
The "Gourmet Librarian" is a monthly series on the CCPL Website
September 2007
Blackberry and Greens Salad
I was busy this month planning a surprise birthday party for my sister-in-law. Terri was going to be fifty! Several months ago we asked her to keep her birthday weekend free. Cindy, my other sister-in-law, was coming from Nashville to visit and celebrate Terri's birthday with us. In addition to Cindy's announced visit, we also decided to throw Terri a big surprise party on Sunday - her actual birthday. Her children and I very secretively distributed homemade invitations at the family reunion, which saved us a bundle in postage.
When the weekend arrived we asked Terri where she wanted to go on Saturday night. She selected a very fun place in Mt. Lookout Square called Jasper's. It was kid-friendly, and the food was delicious. They also had karaoke, and the people who sang were very talented. The children enjoyed themselves, and it provided us with an evening of entertainment.
The following day after church, we readied our fellowship hall for the big surprise. We had selected a delightful summer menu of salads and sandwiches. We also served crackers and a great selection of cheese. My sister-in-law Cindy had made a layered dip with salsa and guacamole that we served with tortilla chips. My mother-in-law and I had made tuna salad, chicken salad, and pimento cheese spread and had a platter of 8 different types of bread for the guests to make their own sandwiches. We also served a pasta salad, but the dish I want to share with you is the delicious green salad I prepared.
In honor of Terri's favorite color, I wanted to make a purple salad. I saw a picture in Better Homes and Gardens that gave me an idea, and I created my own version of the idea.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! MEET ME IN THE KITCHEN!
Lisa, The Gourmet Librarian
Blackberry and Greens Salad
To Start and Have Prepared:
- 1 bag of mixed greens
- 1 bag of spinach green
- 1 container of grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber peeled and sliced
- 1 purple onion peeled and chopped
- ½ bag of original craisins
- 1 bottle of Raspberry Vinaigrette (I used Girards)
- 2 packages of Black Berries
- 1 box of croutons
Directions:
Mix greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, craisins, and dressing. Top with Black Berries and croutons.
This salad was a huge hit. Everyone loved the interesting textures and the taste. It was beautiful too! I topped my bowl with crumbled goat cheese, and it added a new flavor to the salad. Be creative and add ingredients you like!!