Literally.
I was making my favorite salad for lunch today and I wondered how many of you realized you can freeze nuts? I happen to buy bags of walnuts, pecans and pine nuts at Costco and keep them in the freezer and use them as I need them. I also toast them and keep small amounts on hand in the refrigerator for tossing in salads or pasta. Lightly toasting or roasting the nuts really brings out the flavor. Pine nuts "toast" well in a saute pan on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. I toast the pecans and walnuts in the oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes, set the timer in 2 minute increments because once they start to cook, they can burn in the blink of an eye. Store in your refrigerator for up to 3 months. Nuts can stay in the freezer, tightly sealed, indefinitely.
Now for the good stuff!
Catherine's Spinach Salad
Baby spinach
Toasted pine nuts
Canned mandarin orange segments
I use either Light Creamy Balsamic dressing (Kroger Private Selection) or Girard's Raspberry dressing
A very simple salad but the oranges help you absorb all the iron in the spinach, the pine nuts give it a great nutty flavor and both dressings compliment the whole salad. Substitute strawberries or walnuts or add a little goat cheese. YUMMY!
Everything was purchased at Costco except for the salad dressing.
Mmm! Sounds great! I usually make the same-ole garden salad at home, though at restaurants I enjoy a variety of salads. I think I'll treat myself to your spinach salad for a change!
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