The Kids Cook Monday......Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad

I'm back for another recipe that my daughters helped me make for The Kids Cook Monday.  Check out this public health initiative that focuses on getting your kids in the kitchen to help prepare meals and starting your Monday off on a healthy path for the week.  This family program also encourages families to eat meals together.  ("Evidence links family dinners to healthier life choices")

My 13 year old daughters like salads so I'm always trying new ways to make salads and dressings so it doesn't get too boring.  Yes, my name is Jamie.  No, this is not my recipe creation.  This is a fantastic spinach salad that I had heard about from so many people, including my sisters and sister-in-law.  The dressing goes perfectly with the spinach, almonds and dried cranberries.  A little salad dressing goes a long way and then you keep the leftover in the refrigerator for a week or so.  If your family like salads, give this one a try.  You'll be glad you changed up your everyday salad.

Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad

Recipe by Jamie Hensley on Allrecipes.com

Servings:  8

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered (I use packaged sliced almonds)
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces (I use baby spinach)
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons minced onion
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use canola oil)

Directions

1.In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.

2.In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.

3.In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.

Click here for the printable recipe on Allrecipes.com

Marissa and Mariah preparing the salad dressing.

I like to make salad dressings and put them in mason jars.  Give it a good shake before using. 

Enjoy!

Mom's Cooking Club Lesson:  You might be thinking there is no way my child is going to eat spinach.  I thought the same thing a year ago.  Taking a tip from my sister-in-law, Pam, I started tearing up baby spinach and mixing it in with my other lettuces when I made salads.  My daughters had no clue.  When they finally asked what these other leaves were in their salad, I told them the truth.....Baby Spinach!  No big deal.  It's just another type of lettuce to them now.  Try this method.  It works great!