Sweet Potato, Zucchini and Apple Slaw

This salad is quick and easy.  It had the sweetness from the sweet potato and the apple, the spiciness from the onion, the crunch from the red pepper and celery.  The freshness from the lime.

Sweet Potato, Zucchini and Apple Slaw

-1 cup grated raw sweet potato
-1 cup grated zucchini
-1 red delicious apple grated
-1/4 cup grated red onion
-1 rib of celery finely chopped
-1/4 cup red pepper chopped
-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
-2 tablespoons raisins optional
-3 tablespoons high quality extra virgin olive oil
-the juice of 1 lime
-salt and pepper

-Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  Stir well and serve.  The salad does need a touch of salt, so make sure you add some even

Candied Pecans, Pomegranate Salad with a Fig Salad Dressing

This salad was incredible and fairly easy.  Although it may sound complicated, it really isn't.  Worth every minute of time and care.  The taste combinations are incredible.  I made this for my Dad's 69th birthday.

How to Candy Pecans (I asked my brother in law how to do this...he is a chef)

-1 cup of sugar
-pecans (i used 1 cup)

-in a pot on high heat place sugar, stir frequently it will turn into a liquid, as soon as this does throw in the pecans.  This is incredible hot...do not touch (trust me).  Then place pecans on a cookie tray with parchment paper, spread them out and bake in oven for 5 minutes at 350.

Variations that I have done:  added cinnamon or freshly grated ginger


Fig Salad dressing

2/3 cup high quality EVOO
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
juice of half a lime
juice of 1/4 orange
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
3-4 fresh figs (pulp)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
a pinch of salt
pepper to taste

Mix together.  Let sit for a few hours.

The Salad

-Baby spinach and Baby arugula
-baked pears
-pomegranate seeds
-1 avocado (lime juice squeezed on it)
-1 small red onion
-candied pecans

-bake pears in oven at 350 for 15 minutes.  Set aside to cool.  Mix together ingredients and serve.