Freds Pretzel Salad Food

RED, WHITE AND BLUE PRETZEL SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Evenly spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
• Divide the pretzel mixture among 6 mini trifle dishes and flatten in an even layer.
• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar until completely smooth. Divide among the mini trifle dishes (on top of the pretzel layer) and spread with the back of a spoon.
• In a medium bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow to slightly cool. Stir in the fresh berries and crushed pineapple. Divide among the mini trifle dishes (on top of the cream layer) and spread evenly. Allow to chill in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, until set, about 3 hours. Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping. Enjoy!

PRETZEL SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, margarine and sugar.
• Press crushed pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Blend together the cream cheese and sugar. Fold in whipped topping and spread evenly over cooled pretzel mixture.
• In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry flavored gelatin in boiling water. Mix in strawberries and set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
• Pour gelatin mixture over cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.

FREDS' CHICKEN SALAD WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Roast the chicken (if you're using a cooked, store-bought chicken, skip this step): Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack in a roasting pan. Rub 1 tablespoon salt around the inside of the cavity, then stuff it with the thyme, lemon and garlic. Tie the legs closed with cooking twine. Rub olive oil over the entire bird, and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon salt and the black pepper. Place on the rack and roast for 72 to 80 minutes. After 72 minutes, begin testing for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the leg, close to the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165 degrees. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
• When cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the chicken. Use your hands to remove all the meat (remember, it will be hotter internally) and shred into 2-inch strips. If you're not going to make the salad for a few hours, place the meat in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove it and let come to room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before serving, to bring out the best flavor.
• Make the dressing: Place all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds, until everything is combined. With the machine on low, slowly drizzle in the oil until dressing is emulsified.
• Assemble the salad: Drizzle pears with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. In a large mixing bowl, combine pears, greens, beans, tomatoes, onion, avocado and half the chicken meat. Add some of the dressing and toss to make sure everything is lightly coated, adding more dressing if needed. Divide the mixture equally among 4 or 6 plates. Lay the rest of the chicken on top and serve immediately, passing the remaining dressing in case people want to add more.