It's Strawberry Time in East Tennessee!

It's strawberry time in East Tennessee!!! Yesterday, my sweet next door neighbor Anna, sent over the first I've had of the season . They are gorgeous and very, very tasty. It has my mind racing now of all my favorite strawberry recipes. Here's one of my favorites:

STRAWBERRY ALMONDINE SPINACH SALAD

(Serves 4-6)

1/2 pound spinach, washed well

1 pint strawberries, capped and sliced

2 oz. sliced almonds, toasted

1/2 cup sugar

1 T. sesame seeds

1 T. poppy seeds

1 & 1/2 t. minced onion

1 & 1/4 t. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 t. paprika

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Tear spinach into bite-sized pieces, place in salad bowl. Add strawberries and almonds. Place remaining ingredients in a blender, and blend for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour dressing over salad five minutes before serving.

I promise you, add some baked fish and a glass of white wine and you've got a summer dinner that's a keeper! By the way, the dressing from the salad works equally well with mandarin oranges when strawberry season is finished. Bon Appetit! and have a lovely day!