Merry Christmas!

We had an hors d'ouvre party a few days before Christmas, and in my usual fashion, I created a big salad instead of an hors d'ouvre. I also had a few dips and chips, cookies and candies, but that is beside the point. The point is that I always like to provide plenty of nutritious food for myself and anyone else who would like to partake. I had recently seen a TV show featuring extreme diets and was intrigued by this one glowing, peaceful woman who ate a raw diet. She seemed to be quite a chef and actually taught raw cooking classes. I wasn't inspired enough to throw out my pots and pans, but I did resolve to include a bit more raw food into my already healthy repertoir. So here's the recipe:

Mostly Raw Christmas Gizmo Salad
Ingredients:
1/4 medium red onion, sliced thinly
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
8 small zucchini, gizmoed or julienned
1 small yellow squash, gizmoed or julienned
1 stalk celery, small dice
1 carrot, shaved into ribbons with a peeler until you reach the core, dice the rest if you like
3 radishes, sliced thinly
1/2 c. broccoli, small dice
Dressing:
4 Tbsp. vegannaise
1 Tbsp. grainy dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil


I LOVE onions and garlic, but raw onions and garlic are too strong in party salads, in my opinion, so I cooked these first. Over medium heat, warm the olive oil and saute the onions and garlic until translucent and slightly crispy. Set the pan aside to cool. In the meantime, prepare the other ingredients and combine in a bowl. After the onions and garlic have cooled completely, they can be incorporated. Mix the dressing ingredients well, then dress and toss the salad. 
Serves 6-8


This salad went over very well at the party, and was still good the next day rolled in a sheet of nori. The water had settled a bit overnight, so I just drained it first. Delicious!

My family and I are thoroughly enjoying a cozy, lazy Christmas -- the first white Christmas in about 110 years in this part of Georgia!  The snow is gorgeous! We are so happy to count our many blessings. I'd like to acknowledge you, my readers, as you figure prominently on that list.  Thanks for reading! I hope you are having a very Merry Christmas or other holiday of your choice.