Lydias Cranberry Salad Food

LYDIA'S CRANBERRY SALAD

Steps:

• In a food processor, grind cranberries. Transfer to a medium bowl, and mix with sugar. Chill overnight in the refrigerator.
• In a large bowl, mix together cranberry mixture, marshmallows, pecans, and grapes. Fold in nondairy whipped topping 1 hour before serving.

COUNTRY SALAD (LIDIA BASTIANICH)

Steps:

• Fill a pot or saucepan with 3 quarts water, and heat it to boiling.
• Tear off any tough leaves at the base of the cauliflower and cut out the core; break or cut the large branches in to small florets, drop them into the boiling water, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Lift from water, and drain well in a colander; when cool, put the florets in a large bowl.
• As soon as the cauliflower is out of the pot, return the water to a boil and drop in the potatoes; cook them at a gentle boil just until a knife blade pierces the center easily--don't let them get mushy.
• Drain and briefly cool the potatoes; peel them while still warm, cut into 1/4-inch dice, and put them in the serving bowl with the cauliflower.
• Peel and core the apples; cut into 1/4-inch dice, and add to the salad bowl.
• Trim the radishes, quarter them in wedges, and drop into the bowl along with the diced onion, cubes of Asiago, and toasted walnuts.
• Sprinkle the salt over the salad pieces and toss; drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad and toss; sprinkle on the parsley and toss once more, and serve.

APPLE CRISP A LA LYDIA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F Lightly butter a shallow 3 1/2 to 4 quart baking dish.
• Topping: Combine flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined. Add butter. I use a mixer but you can use a food processor. Mix until it forms large clumps. With fingers work in the pecans.
• Filling: Whisk together sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Peel, quarter, and core apples and then cut into chunks about 1/2 inch thick. Add apples, cranberries, and lemon juice to sugar mixture. Toss until well combined.
• Assembly: Spread the apples in the buttered baking dish. Crumble topping evenly over them. Bake until topping is golden brown which takes about an hour and makes the house smell wonderful. Cool to warm and serve.