Broccoli Mandarin Salad

This is one of those recipes that has been passed around for years. My mother gave me this recipe which she got from a friend.

Great for buffets or picnics. Everyone wants this recipe.

2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup raisins
8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
10 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 red onion, sliced
Directions:


For the dressing, in a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch and dry mustard.

Add vinegar and water and cook slowly until it is thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise.

Cool.

Marinate broccoli in dressing for several hours.

Add remaining ingredients and toss well.

Tomato Feta Pasta Salad- Ina Garten

This is my go to pasta recipe for summer. Ina Garten never disappoints.

·         1/2 pound fusilli (spirals) pasta

·         kosher salt

·         Good olive oil

·         1 pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced

·         3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced

·         1 pound good feta cheese,  medium-diced

·         6 sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

·          

For the dressing:

·         5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained

·         2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

·         6 tablespoons good olive oil

·         1 garlic clove , diced

·         1 teaspoon capers, drained

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·          

·         1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

·         1 cup packed flat leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.

Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and parsley, and toss well.