Autumn Tossed Salad

[prairiehen]

This salad is one I make when I have a houseful to feed. Makes a large salad and goes with any main course, be it beef, pork or chichen.

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 bunch romaine chopped or torn
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup unsalted cashews
1 large apple chopped
1 medium pear chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries

In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, onion, mustard and salt.
While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
Stir in poppy seeds. Transfer to a small pitcher or bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat...yields 10 servings