I cannot wait for this week! Lorene is writing her last school exam (ever!) and we are packing the car to head south… vacation time. After a year of restrictions, lockdowns,closed borders and not seeing loved ones, we are taking the dreaded Covid test and driving down to Cape Town for our summer and Christmas holiday.
I can already feel my mother’s hug and see my dad’s tears. I can already hear the bubbling excitement of cousins reunited, the crashing of waves outside my bedroom window…I can already feel the salty sea breeze on my face and the white sand under my toes. I am so ready!
Memories are made when gathered around the table.
The rusks are baked, the Rocky roads are made and the Christmas menu is planned. I am so excited to set my Christmas table and have my family gathered together on Christmas Eve. To set the stage for creating new memories, celebrating new and old traditions and honoring our Lord and Savior. I am looking forward to lighting the fairy lights and candles around the house and seeing the shadows dance on my children’s faces. To listen to Christmas carols ring out this special season. Because we are home…we belong.
I belong because I am loved….Yes! I have a Reason to celebrate life. He is my Reason. He is my Immanuel… despite these unprecedented. uncertain and unknown times… my God with us, now here in 2020.
So with much excitement and thankfulness, I am ready. Ready for Christmas and ready to create a home away from home this summer Ready to spoil my loved ones with a celebratory environment and an easy and delicious festive menu. Roast Lamb with some beautiful sides and then of course dessert.
My sides will be quick salads full of colour and flavor. It is summer and the days are long and warm, so what is better than a succulent roast lamb with this beautiful Cranberry and Spinach Salad. All the preparations are done beforehand and you toss the homemade dressing just before serving. I assure you it will be a great accompaniment to your Christmas table. A salad that balances sweet and sour with a good crunch from almonds and sesame seeds. Beautiful, easy and delicious.
Recipe page 2.
Beautiful Spinach and Cranberry Salad
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 pound baby spinach leaves
1 cup dried cranberries
3 Finely cut carrots, julienne style
1 Red onion, finely sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing:
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1T Soya sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, paprika, white wine vinegar and vegetable oil. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set dressing aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds, carrots, red onion and cranberries.
4. Toss spinach with dressing just before serving
With these pretty red and green colors this is the perfect salad to serve for a Christmas party. It has the perfect blend of sweet, savory, toasted flavor and crunchy goodness. You’ll love every last bite of it!