Mandarin Orange & Almond Salad

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This is a very tasty salad. The caramelized almonds are really what make this so good. It is quick and easy. Just do not add the dressing until just before serving, otherwise it will become soggy.


Salad
1/2 head inceberg lettuce, or hearts of romaine (I used hearts of romaine)
1 tbsp chpd fresh parsley (I did not use)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 can (chilled) mandarin orange slices, drained

Combine the salad ingredients in a chilled bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Dressing
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

Combine the dressing ingredients and set aside until ready to serve. Toss salad with the dressing and either top with the caramelized almonds or serve alongside.

Caramelized Almonds
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds

In a dry skillet, combine the sugar and almonds and turn burner onto medium to medium-low. Stir until the sugar is melted, and caramelizes and browns the almonds. Stir frequently. You want to have the burner on high enough that it will melt the sugar. Once it starts melting, the almonds will brown quickly, so keep a close eye on them. You may want to turn the burner down a little as they begin to caramelize. Place on a wax paper-lined plate and allow to cool. Break apart.

Orange Jello Salad

This is another recipe that is very old, coming from an old church cookbook. We used to make this frequently in my family, and it is very good. You can find similar recipes online. I can see this being made with other flavors of jello and sherbet, as well. You can add the mandarin oranges, or not. It's whatever your preference might be.

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2 (3-oz) packages orange jello
2 cups boiling water
1 pint orange sherbet, slightly softened
1 small can mandarin orange, drained
1 cup whipping cream, whipped (You could also use Cool Whip instead, if you want to lighten it up)

Dissolve the jello in the boiling water and as soon as the jello has dissolved, mix in the sherbet and chill until somewhat firm, but no too firm. Fold in the whipped cream and oranges and then chill until completely set. 

Orange Crush Salad

I found a screenshot of this recipe on Pinterest, and I'm not sure of the original source because all I can find is a screenshot of the recipe. This reminds me of a similar recipe that calls for vanilla ice cream in it that is very good. Once I find that recipe again, I will post it here.

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3 (3-oz) boxes of orange jello
2 cups boiling water
2 cups chilled Orange Crush soda pop
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

Topping
1 3-oz box instant vanilla pudding
8 oz package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 1/2 cups milk
3 cups Cool Whip

Dissolve jello in the boiling water, stirring until jello is dissolved. Add the Orange Crush syrupy. Stir in the pineapple and oranges and then chill until firm in a serving dish.

Topping
Combine the vanilla pudding mix and cream cheese until smooth. Add the milk and mix until well combined and smooth. Stir in the Cool Whip and beat until smooth. Spread topping mixture over the jello and chill. Serve. 

Chicken Rice Hotdish

This is a delicious recipe that is pure comfort food. I know the photos are not great, but it gives you an idea of what you're making. The recipe comes from an old copy of the Betty Crocker cookbook, but can also be found online.

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1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup chicken broth
2 cups cut up, cooked chicken ( I use a rotisserie chicken)

1 1/2 cups COOKED white rice

1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper 

1/4 cup slivered almonds

2 tbsp drained, chopped pimiento

1. Heat butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until bubbly; remove from heat.

2. Stir in milk and chicken broth and heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute.

3. Stir in remaining ingredients.

4. Pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 40-45 minutes. 

Serve with the Mandarin Orange & Almond Salad on this website.

Fruit Salad

Printable Recipe

1 (3-oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

3 apples, chpd (can leave peels on)
3 bananas, sliced
grapes
1 can Mandarin oranges, drained
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained

Mix the above until smooth, in a large bowl. Add fresh fruit. Store in the refrigerator.