Strawberry Spinach Salad

Last weekend, we had a birthday supper to celebrate with/for my Dad, his wife Gloria, and my Uncle Neil, who all had birthdays within two weeks of each other. Birthday celebrations mean delicious food and this meal was no exception! My sister-in-law Janine brought this incredible salad. 

Strawberry Salad

Calvary Temple 90^th Anniversary Cookbook

Combine the following in a large salad bowl:

3-4 Romanine lettuce hearts, chopped/torn

2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced

½ red onion, thinly sliced

In a small bowl mix the following and add to lettuce just before serving:

1 cup Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise

¼ cup vinegar

2/3 cup white sugar (I use 1/3 cup)

2 tsp poppy seed

¼ tsp paprika

2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Toasted slivered almonds as garnish(optional)

Serves about 15 people

Strawberry Cheesecake "Burritos"

I found this recipe on cookpad.com and it was originally submitted by Ashley Shinoda Sullivan. You know I can't make a recipe the way it's written and I wanted to only use what I had on hand. Here's my version: 

1/2 of an 8 oz Cream Cheese; room temperature

1 tbsp Sour Cream

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup strawberry jam

4 packages (8-inch) Soft Torrillas

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, jam, vanilla extract. 

Divide the mixture evenly between the 4 tortillas. Slather the filling in the lower third of the tortilla. Fold the two sides toward the center and then roll the tortilla up like a burrito. To keep the end closed, wet the edges with a wet paste of flour and water. (Isn't that a great tip? I read it here.) Let sit, edges down, until ready to deep fry.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

In a deep saucepan, place about 2 to 2½-inch vegetable oil for frying & heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 360ºF.

Fry the burritos until golden brown & crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them as needed. Work in batches.

Transfer the burritos to the paper-lined towel on a plate to drain. Sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar.

Let cool for a few minutes.