2011 & a great salad.

Just like my Christmas update my New Years update is behind as well. Jamie my bestie from back home happened to be in St. George as well this Christmas break. Her parents decided to move to St. George, and their timing couldn't be any more perfect. My first Christmas away from home and I got to have a piece of it with me still. We spent an afternoon on her boyfriend's motor bikes, and soaking up the hot tub. Since we were both there, we decided the 5-6 hour drive to San Diego to see a friend from church get married was well worth the trip! It would also mean we could see other family and friends in San Diego :) So we went, and it was a blast. We danced the night away at the wedding, Courtnie (our friend that got married looked beautiful). Since we left our boys in Utah we went to a small dinner with friends for New Years. I have never felt more like an adult then I did that night, haha. I mean I have never had a quite New Years Eve before.... ever! It was also my first New Years Eve where I didn't have a New Years kiss since I was 15 years old... haha. Oh how I missed my Trevor. But it was still a great low key night, with yummy food and friends.

My mom shared this wonderful salad with me to bring to the New Years Eve dinner. Now let me tell you, I am normally not a fan of salads that have a bunch of different things in them, but this salad really blew me away! It is a must try.

Pasadena Salad (serves 4-6)

What you need:
1 head romaine
3 chicken breasts shredded
1 cup chopped celery
4 stems of green onion, slice
1 avocado, cut up
1 granny smith apple, cut up (cubed) skin on
1 10 oz. can of mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup blue cheese

Add all into large bowl.

Caramelized Almonds:
1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 TBSP sugar
Melt over medium heat (preferably non-stick skillet) and stir until
sugar melts and caramelizes almonds.  Cool and add to above.

Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
2 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP white wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste