more summer suppers -- yum

This awful heat continues and I've been rather housebound, as it is too hot and dry to "garden".  Time for interesting menu ideas!  Dinner is a special time for Cy and me as it is our time together.  We had a delightful couple stay with us this week.  We had a lovely discussion about "ladies luncheons"...fun!  Here's some ideas... for you Pam.

AUTUMN APPLE SALAD
20 oz. crushed pineapple undrained                   2/3 cup sugar
3 oz. lemon gelatin                                             8 oz cream cheese
1 cup diced apples                                              1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chopped celery                                         1 cup whipped topping

In a saucepan, combine pineapple and sugar; bring to a boil.  Add gelatin.  Stir and add cream cheese.  Cool then fold in apples, nuts, celery, and whipped cream.  Chill until firm.
Yields 9-12 servings

ASIAN PEAR SALAD
1 1/2 tblsp. sherry vinegar                              2 tsp. whole grain mustard
1 tsp. salt                                                        1/2 cup olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced celery                              1/4 cup dill
1 unpeeled Bosc pear  cut in match sticks       1/2 cup chopped nuts

Whisk together liquid ingredients.  Mix in fruit, nuts, celery.  Serve over a bed of greens.
Serves 6