What's for Dinner?: Strawberry Salad and Blueberry Cake

Well this week I’ve got my mother in-law coming for dinner and not quite sure what I’m going to make. Thursday’s I usually have a hard time trying to figure out what’s for dinner. I can plan Sunday-Wednesday easily but come Thursday, I’m always scratching my head.  So it’s going to be quick and easy tonight, hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill with corn on the cob, baked beans and one of my favorite summer salads, Strawberry Salad which is part of what’s for dinner.  

Love Strawberries this time of year when they are at their peak.  Whenever I make this salad it disappears quickly.

I first had this salad almost 23 yrs ago at a cookout. Since then have made it for cookouts and family dinners in the summer time when strawberries are freshly picked. Strawberries are so readily available at the supermarket you can make this year round. I like it in the summer months, just cool and refreshing and different.  It’s always a crowd pleaser and I think you will enjoy this recipe. It’s a nice alternative to a tossed salad and it’s so simple and easy to make.

Strawberry Salad:

• 6 Cups of Torn lettuce (spinach, spring mix, romaine) whatever you prefer
• 2 ½ cups of Strawberries sliced
• 1 cup of Jack Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
• ½ Cup Toasted Walnuts (Optional)

Dressing:

• ½ Cup Oil
• 1/3 Cup Sugar
• ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 1Clove garlic minced
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Paprika
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Tip:  I actually make this dressing in my Good Seasons cruet.  It makes it easy to shake all the ingredients together and store it in my refrigerator. 

When I make this for a crowd I actually pour the dressing over the top and serve the salad already dressed. Won’t go soggy because it’s that good and people come back for seconds.  

While I’ve got my mother in-law for dinner I also like to serve dessert as well and this time is Patrice’s Blueberry Cake.  My good friend and I went to a pampered chef party over 10 yrs ago and this recipe was served at her friend Patrice’s house. It’s a keeper. I cut the recipe in half because it makes a ton.

 Patrices' Blueberry Cake

• 1 ½ Cup Sugar
• ½ Cup Shortening ( I used butter)
• 2 Eggs

Mix together and stir in:

• 1 Cup Milk
• Sift 4 Cups Flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

Fold in 4 Cups Fresh Blueberries

Spray a 10x18 or 11x17 glass baking dish with Pam. Spread batter evenly. Add the topping. 

Tip if you cut the recipe in half use an 9X11 pan.  You can also use a 9x13 it won’t be as high when it rises but will still come out good.

Topping:

• ½ Cup Sugar
• 1/3 Cup flour
• ½ tsp Cinnamon
• ¼ Cup soft butter

Sprinkle on top and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 mins till toothpick comes out clean.

Hope you enjoy! Keep cool.