Walnut and Raisins Green Salad

Taking inspiration from Cyma's famous Roka Salata I made this budget friendly alternative. Cultured palates may not give any notice to this, but the few regular folk that I've served this to a few times always gave it praise so I think this deserves to be shared.


INGREDIENTS:
Balsamic vinaigrette (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, dried basil and dried oregano)
Romaine lettuce
Parmesan cheese (block, not ground)
Raisins
Walnuts
Brown sugar


1. Vinaigrette: Combine equal parts of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. About 1/4 cup each should be enough, otherwise you can just add more. Add about a teaspoon each of ground black pepper, basil and oregano. Set aside.


2. Place about a cup of walnuts on nonstick pan over medium heat and toast lightly. Sprinkle brown sugar and stir constantly until sugar melts and sticks to the walnuts (Warning: take care not to burn the sugar). Remove from heat and set aside.


3. Cut up cleaned/washed Romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces and place a large salad bowl. 


4. Add some of the raisins and candied walnuts into the lettuce and toss with prepared vinaigrette.


5. Sprinkle remaining raisins and walnuts on top of the salad.


6. Shave Parmesan cheese onto the salad using a vegetable peeler. 


All done!

Burrito Casserole

I wasn't always a fan of burritos, but this was really good. I'm now a fan of this burrito.


INGREDIENTS
Lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
Refried beans
1 large can diced tomatoes
Sour cream
Campbell's cream of mushroom
Jalapenos
Shredded cheddar cheese
Burrito tortillas


STEPS
1. Sautee ground beef in cooking oil until meat is lightly cooked (raw areas are gone)
2. Add taco seasoning and continue cooking.
3. Add refried beans and  diced tomatoes and simmer for about a minute then take off from the heat.
4. In separate bowl, combine equal parts of sour cream and cream of mushroom. Mix well.
5. In baking dish, layer the meat sauce, cream of mushroom, shredded cheese and burrito tortillas -- just like the way you would with a lasagna.
6. Bake for 45 minutes at 350F.


Serve with more sour cream and some jalapenos on the side.