recipe of the week

FRESH STRAWBERRY SALAD

2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into pieces and chilled in water
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 med, red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 large avocado, chopped
2 cups mayonnaise ( the real stuff )
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup half and half cream
1/3 cup strawberry or raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Prepare the lettuce and remove from the water and spin in a lettuce spinner to dry. Keep refrigerated until preparing the salad. Mix the mayo, sugar, half and half, raspberry vinegar, poppy seeds and jam all together for the dressing. I beat it with a mix on medium speed for a couple of minutes. Just before serving toss the lettuce with the strawberries, avocado, pine nuts and onion. You can either let everyone put their own dressing on or mix the dressing in just before you serve it. I also serve it as a main dish with grilled chicken.