Easy Jello Salad

I thought Becca's idea was great and decided to post a Thanksgiving favorite at the Carpenter (my maiden name) house. We were pretty traditional as far as Thanksgiving goes. This was the only recipe I could think of that was unique. It's super easy and yummy but definitely lacking in any health properties.

Ingredients:
-2 drained (small) cans of mandarin oranges
-1 drained can of pineapple chunks
-1 package of orange Jello
-1 (medium, possibly 12 oz?) package of cottage cheese.
-1 tub of extra creamy whip cream.

Drain fruit REALLY well. Runny jello salad is gross. Combine fruit, and jello.  It's important you combine these ingredients first or the jello will not disintegrate properly and you'll have odd jello flavoring chunks. Stir in cottage cheese till well mixed. Stir in whip cream. Chill overnight or serve immediately! Makes plenty for a large family.

The traditional way of having this is with Orange jello, but we later experimented with pineapple jello and it is quite delicious and very pretty. Really any flavor would work. Happy Thanksgiving girls!

Posted by: Rachel

Spinach Almond Salad

Now that Thanksgiving is approaching, I think it would be fun if each of us shared one of our favorite dishes at Thanksgiving. Just an idea. Well, here is one of mine. A salad recipe that I just LOVE! I think I could eat the whole salad by myself in one sitting. It is that good.

Sorry I don't have a picture for it. I seem to forget to take pictures while I am cooking. Well, here goes:

SPINACH ALMOND SALAD

1 (9 oz) bag fresh spinach
1 medium apple, diced
crumbled fried bacon
3/4 cup toasted* slivered or sliced almonds

*Place almonds on cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool, then toss all ingredients together.

Dressing:
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbs. cider vinegar
A slice of a small, red onion

Blend dressing ingredients together in a blender. Pour over salad just before serving.

Simple and delicious. Enjoy!

Now I want to hear some of your menu items planned for the big Turkey day...may give me some ideas of what I want to make... :)