Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf

If you need a simple but tasty side dish this is the recipe for you! 

Ingredients:
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup dried cranberries (such as craisins)
1/3 cup slivered almonds
2 TBSP butter

Place all ingredients in rice cooker and let it do its thing.  If you don't have a rice cooker ask for one for your birthday!  No really, if you don't have a rice cooker place all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Once it is boiling reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.  Simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.  Fluff rice with a fork and serve.

Spinach Strawberry salad with strawberry balsamic vinagarette

This is my favorite "go to" salad for any occasion.  We have been making this for about 12 years now.  It is just so good!  The trick is to layer the salad in a glass bowl for a great presentation.

For the salad:
6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
3 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup toasted almond slices
fresh feta cheese ( i really like boars head brand)

For the dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 TBSP sugar
2 strawberries or strawberry jelly

Slice the strawberries, toast the almonds and set aside.

toast nuts in a dry pan until they start to brown

Start by layering the spinach first then add the strawberries around the outside of the bowl.  Add the feta around the outside of the bowl  and sprinkle on the toasted almonds.

Keep layering until your bowl is full.  Top the salad with a little more strawberries, feta and almonds.

Make the dressing.  It is easiest if you have a mini chopper or immersion blender to get all of the ingredients incorporated.  Place all ingredients into the mini chopper and blend.   If you don't have a mini chopper or immersion blender omit the strawberries and sugar.  Whisk all ingredients in a medium size bowl then add 2 tablespoons of strawberry jelly.