More Summer Salads

I would like to share this recipe because I used to take this to carry-in dinners (some of you may call them pot lucks or church suppers) and I always received requests for the recipe.

This salad looks best in a large glass bowl so that the layers can be seen. Sometimes I use my glass lasagna pan.

Place in the order given in layers:

1 layer of torn lettuce

1 layer of uncooked frozen peas, thawed

1 layer of celery slices (about 1 cup)

1 layer of chopped green pepper

1 layer of finely sliced onions (combined with additional torn lettuce)

1 layer of low-fat or non-fat mayonnaise (about 2 cups)

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, sprinkled over top of mayonnaise

1 layer grated cheese (I use Colby or Longhorn)

     Top with crispy bacon pieces, broken up finely.

Do not mix or stir this. When served, it will become blended as people help themselves. (Suggest that they dig deep!) The great thing about this salad is that it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days in a covered container. Containers with tight fitting lids are perfect for this delicious salad.

You can't have a failure with it. You can even adjust amounts or add ingredients, according to your preferences.

A lighter variation would be to use 1/2 mayonnaise and 1/2 plain nonfat yogurt.

This recipe has a nice Carribbean flavor to it. It's sooo easy!

1-16 ounce can sweet potato pieces, drained and cubed

1 cup mayonnaise (low fat is best)

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

2 Tablespoons orange juice

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 Tablespoon honey

2 bananas, sliced

2 medium size red apples, diced

2 cups seedless grapes

Stir together the mayonnaise, lemon peel, orange juice and honey in a bowl. Chill

Gently toss sweet potatoes, banana, apple and grapes. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Serve on lettuce leaves with mayonnaise mixture. Makes about 6 servings.

If you usually buy packets of taco seasoning, try making the seasoning yourself. It tastes better, doesn't have a bunch of additives and saves money. This recipe has the homemade seasoning. You'll like it!

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin, ground

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

cayenne pepper, to taste (if you like it hot, add more)

1 teaspoon salt

black pepper, to taste

1 can tomato sauce, 8 ounces

1 head lettuce, iceberg or romaine

1 tomato

1 cup shredded cheese (I use the Mexican cheese combination, cheddar, pepper jack, monterey jack)

1 small bag Taco flavored Fritos or tortilla chips

Sour cream & salsa, if desired

Brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat in a large skillet until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Drain.

Lower the heat and add the paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Add the tomato sauce, bring to a boil, lower the heat again and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Tear the head of lettuce into a bowl. Spoon the meat over the lettuce. Add tomato and cheese. Crush the chips over the top. Sour cream and salsa is optional.

I can smell it now. It's soooo good!