Spinach Apple Salad with Crispy (yummy) Almonds

¼ c minced onion
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
3 Tbs white wine vinegar
2 Tbs sesame seeds
1/8 tsp paprika
3 Tbs sugar
½ c olive oil

2 Tbs butter
¾ c blanched slivered almonds (about 3 ounces)

10 oz spinach leaves
2 medium skinned apples, quartered, cored and thinly sliced

Combine onion, cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, sesame seeds and paprika in small bowl. Mix in 2 Tbs sugar. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium heat. Add almonds. Stir until almonds begin to color, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tbs sugar. Stir until sugar melts and begins to turn golden about 2 minutes longer. Transfer almonds to bowl and cool. (Dressing and almonds can be prepared up to 4 hour ahead)

Combine spinach and apples in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat and retain the rest to serve on the side. Mix in almonds and serve.
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Cold Rice Salad

Rice Salad
3 c cooked rice
15 oz kidney beans
1 ½ c sliced celery
½ c chopped green onions
½ c green bell peppers
4-8 oz cooked ham (chunked small)
Mix above ingredients and refrigerate

Dressing
In a sauce pan combine
1/3 c apple cider vinegar
3 Tbs sugar or substitute
¼ c oil
2 Tbs mustard
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp Tabasco

Head dressing until mix is combined and boils. When cool add to rice mixture. Chill well before serving.

Sesame Noodles

1 lb of spaghetti (can use gluten free)
1 bell pepper thinly sliced (red/orange)
½ c cucumber chopped
1 celery rib
1 bunch green onions chopped
1 Tbs mint chopped
¼ cup cilantro

Sauce
1 Tbs Sesame Oil
1/3 c smooth peanut butter
2 shallots chopped
2 cloves garlic
½ -1 Tbs grated ginger
¼ c rice vinegar
1/3 c soy sauce
½ lime, juiced

In blender, blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Can be thinned with water.

In large bowl gently toss spaghetti and other ingredients. Add sauce a little at a time, coating evenly to desired taste. Serve Chilled.