Leslie's Baby Shower

When we moved to California from New Jersey I put the kids in gymnastics classes at Encore. Their favorite teacher was Leslie Haws. Now, 10 years later, she is my neighbor and great friend! I had a shower for her fifth baby on Saturday and loved meeting her other friends and family. This is going to be a lucky little boy!

As promised, here is one of the recipes from the shower...but of course, no picture...

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Salad:

2 large bunches baby spinach

3 kiwi, peeled and cut up

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1 can mandarin oranges, chilled

1 1/2 cups almonds, caramelized in 3/4 cup sugar

Dressing:

2/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp dry mustard

1 tsp salt

1 clove minced garlic

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Blend all dressing ingredients with an imersion blender just until emulsified.

Toss all ingredients, then add dressing just before serving. You can put the caramelized almonds in a dish to the side of the salad in case you have anyone with nut allergies.