Our cousin, Marlene, owns and manages the “Decoy Bed & Breakfast” in Eaton, Ohio. It is always a joy to go there. The house itself is a treat to see, being over a hundred years old, then you add all the antiques, and Marlene’s wit and charm. I always leave with a stomach full, my mind full of history not only on her home but the Eaton area as well, and a smile on my face . Marlene has a wealth of wonderful recipes but this one she shared with me at a dinner we were having at our Aunt Virginia’s home one evening and I have made this many times over since then, you know that has been over 2 years ago and that evening still sticks in my mind, but when you share a evening with family or friends, or both, along with good food, good wine and great conservation you end up with a great memory!

The recipe I am sending you all today is a wonderful salad. This one compliments just about any meal, from Italian to a Thanksgiving meal. I like to put some back in the refrigerator and add the dressing and noodles to it the next day, It is lovely with a glass of wine for a light lunch. The homemade dressing really makes this salad, so don’t use any substitutes.

MARLENE’S SALAD

1 LARGE HEAD OF BOC CHOY GREENS (Chinese Celery)

1 LARGE HEAD ROMAINE LETTUCE

½ HEAD ICE BURG LETTUCE

6 GREEN ONIONS

6 TABLESPOONS SWEET ONION

½ CUP CROTONS (I use herbal croutons)

1 PACKAGE RAMEN NOODLES (I crush them up while they are still in the package before opening, and I discard the flavoring)

DRESSING

½ CUP OLIVE OIL

½ CUP VEGETABLE OIL

6 TABLESPOONS SUGAR

1 8OZ BOTTLE OF KEN’S RASPBERRY PECAN VENERATE DRESSING

1 TEASPOON SALT

1 TEASPOON PEPPER

I WASH AND CUT THE FIRST 5 INGREDIENTS AND PUT IN A ZIPLOC BAG TO BLEND THE FLAVORS. I USUALLY DO THIS IN THE MORNING AND IT’S READY TO GO THEN AT DINNER TIME. BEFORE SERVING PUT YOUR GREENS IN A LARGE BOWL ADD CROTONS AND CRUSHED RAMEN NOODLES AND THEN WISK DRESSING TILL WELL BLENDED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND POUR OVER SALAD JUST BEFORE SERVING. THERE WILL BE ENOUGH DRESSING FOR SEVERAL SALADS AND I USE IT OVER MANY DIFFERENT ONES, IT WILL KEEP FOR SEVERAL WEEKS IN THE REFRIGERATOR JUST REMEMBER TO WISK THOROUGHLY BEFORE EACH TIME YOU USE IT.

ENJOY!