Poppy Seed Salad/Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

I love this poppy seed salad. It is simple and easy but very delicious. The salad dressing is what really makes it so good. You can usually find a bottle of the dressing already prepared in my fridge, which I use whenever we have salad.

Poppy Seed Salad

1 bunch romaine lettuce, washed and drained
1 bunch iceberg lettuce, washed and drained
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1 can tidbit pineapple, drained

Tear the lettuce into bite size pieces. Add oranges and pineapple. Right before serving pour on desired amount of poppy seed salad dressing and toss.

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard
1/8 - 1/4 cup grated onion
1/4 cup vinegar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbsp poppy seeds

Add first 6 ingredients in a blender and puree. Add poppy seeds last and blend for only a few seconds.

Lion House Banana Nut Bread

There are probably a million recipes out there for banana bread. I have tried a few, and have found this one to be my favorite. It is easy, moist, and delicious.

Lion House Banana Nut Bread

6 large or 8 medium bananas, very ripe
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup oil
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Grease well and flour 2 large loaf pans; set aside. Peel bananas and place in large mixing bowl; mash bananas well. Add eggs, sugar, and oil; mix until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Add to banana mixture. Mix until blended. Add nuts and mix briefly. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
*You can make 6 small loaves instead of 2 large. Bake 35-40 minutes.

Summer's Salsa

Recipe courtesy Summer Pererro



My friend Summer introduced me to this salsa about 6 years ago. It is so good - I can't believe I haven't posted it yet. It is always a hit whenever I take it anywhere.

Summer's Salsa

1 can black beans (rinsed & drained)
1 can white, whole kernel corn (rinsed & drained)
2-3 large tomatoes - diced
2 ripe avocados - pitted and diced
small bunch of green onions - finely chopped
small bunch of cilantro - finely chopped
cumin to taste
1 packet of Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing - prepare as directed (To cut the fat I only add 3-4 Tbsp oil when preparing the dressing and substitute water for the rest of the oil.)

Mix first seven ingredients together in a large bowl. Prepare dressing and mix in just before serving.