Northwest Autumn Salad Food

NORTHWEST JELLO SALAD

Steps:

• Layer 1: Boil water- remove from heat.
• Dissolve gelatin in water.
• Stir in raspberries.
• Pour into cold gelatin mold- I use a bundt style pan.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Layer 2: Over med.
• heat, stir half and half and sugar, until sugar is dissolved and liquid is heated (about half way to boiling) Remove from heat.
• Soften unflavored gelatin in cold water.
• Stir softened geletin into warm cream mixture, until gelatin dissolves.
• Add sour cream and vanilla, stir to blend, cool thoroughly at room temperature.
• Pour thoroughly cooled mixture over first layer and refrigerate until firm.
• Layer 3: Drain blueberries, reserving 3/4 cup of the juice, set aside.
• Dissolve gelatin in hot water.
• Add blueberries and 3/4 cup reserved juice.
• Cool mixture thoroughly at room temperature.
• Pour over chilled layers.
• Refrigerate until firm.

COUSCOUS CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Simmer chicken in stock in a large skillet until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• Strain stock and return to skillet.
• Bring stock to a boil and stir in couscous slowly.
• Mix well, cover and remove from heat.
• Let stand until all of the stock is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork and spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
• Once cool, remove to a large bowl.
• Remove chicken from bone and cut up into small pieces.
• Add to bowl with couscous.
• Mix in tomato, green onions, garbanzo beans, red pepper, currants and parsley.
• Dressing: Blend lemon juice, oil, garlic, cumin, curry powder and Tabasco in a small bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Mix dressing with couscous mixture and toss well.
• Refrigerate before serving, one hour up to one day.
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts just before serving.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SALAD

Steps:

• In small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Cut 2 of the pears ito 1/2" pieces. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and softened. Recipe can be made to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Place cooked pears in center of 8 salad plates. In large bowl, toss salad mix with vinaigrette. Place on top of pears; sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Slice remaining 2 pears; arrange over greeens.

NORTHWEST AUTUMN SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing: Mix together oil, vinegar, shallot, syrup,lemon juice, salt and pepper until emulsified.
• To Complete the Salad: Toss together lettuces, pears, pecans, cheese and dressing.
• Serve immediately.
• For the Candied Pecans:.
• Stir together nuts, sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown.
• Spread mixture in a single layer on lightly greased waxed paper. Cool and break into pieces.