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MARCH MAPLE SYRUP TIME in MICHIGAN ~ CLASSIC MICHIGAN SALAD

"Springtime is the land awakening.
The March winds are the morning yawn. "
~ Lewis Grizzard

~ Maple leaves
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CLASSIC MICHIGAN SALAD
~ Featured fare in many Michigan restaurants, each a bit different, but should include two cherished products, dried cherries and maple syrup.
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8-12 oz. organic baby spring mix greens
(a healthy handful of per person)
thin slices of red onion
1/4 cup or desired amount of blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup dried Michigan cherries
Toss greens lightly with vinaigrette. Top with onion rings, blue cheese, toasted nuts and dried cherries. (about 4 servings).
Note: For a heartier meal, try salad topped with grilled chicken breasts.
RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

1/2 cup raspberry vinegar
1 cups canola oil
1/2 cup Michigan maple syrup
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon leaves (1 tsp. dried)
1/2 tsp. coarse salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients ahead to allow flavors to meld.
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Comments

Victoria Williams said…
Sounds interesting, and delicious.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Roses and Lilacs said…
This is my favorite salad but I do cheat and use commercial vinaigrette. When I was sick a couple weeks ago, it was one of the few things that still tasted good.
Marnie
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Bren Haas said…
You knew I would be stopping by ... didn't you?! ;-) I love being a part of Blotanical because now I can OFFICALLY pick you as a favorite. You were one of my PICKS today!
The maple is one of my favorite leafs. You did a great job in that photo collage. Happy Wordless Wednesday over at my blog!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Kerri said…
That does sound delicious! Maple syrup season is in full swing here in upstate NY too. We went to a local sugar house last Saturday (owned by friends) for a pancake and sausage brunch. Yum yum!
We have warm sunshine today and the cold wind has dropped to a cool breeze. Hope you have lovely weather too dear Joey.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Shady Gardener said…
Joey, I must have had a "brain-skip" because I didn't remember you are in Michigan! My son and his family live in Mt. Pleasant (north of Lansing). Great sounding recipes! Did you press your leaves?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Maggie said…
Fantastic sounding salad! I love the use of local ingredients.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Anonymous said…
Hi Joey - I will be making this salad ASAP...yum-yum!!!!! I still "lurk" in the shadows and enjoy your wonderful photos, quotes, and recipes so much. Keep up the great work.

Sheila from west Michigan
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Gail said…
Joey, A great recipe! I love dried cherries in a salad...they add just that right bit of tart sweetness. The maple leaves are wonderful! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and celebration of my camera! gail
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
joey said…
Welcome Kim and Victoria and thank you for your kind comment.

It remains a favorite of mine also, Marnie, and fine to use a commercial vinaigrette ... there are many great ones out there. Please stay well!

Hi Bren. Finally got over for a visit after a packed day of picking up grandboys from school and celebrating the youngest one's birthday here with the entire family. I'm finding less & less time to spend on Blotanical and will be even harder once out in the garden ... plus I'll never get my book done if I don't stay focused!

Sounds like a perfect way to spend a spring day, Kerri. I love cooking with maple syrup and it's hard to beat a pancake/sausage brunch! Heavy rain here today and more on the way, good for the garden but I'm getting itchy!

Hi Shady and I remember that you had family here in Michigan. Both my brother and sister-in-law graduated (many years ago) from Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant and my other sister-in-law lives in Canadian Lakes, not too far away.

Thanks Maggie ... Blessed to live in this beautiful state, I'm a huge advocate of Michigan and Michigan products.

And there you are Sheila, it's been awhile. Delighted to hear from you and glad you're still hanging around. Thanks for your support and Happy Spring!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
joey said…
Hi Gail and thank you. I'm truly delighted to see you back with camera in hand, well remembering the naked feeling to be without. Regarding trillium, yes, I not only have several varieties spread throughout my gardens here but the lake is peppered with them, a stunning sight in spring. On the drive up, the forest floors are a carpet of white and extra awesome with the shadblow also in bloom. About 2 weeks behind, it's as though I experience the joy of spring twice!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
beckie said…
Oh, Joey-yum! I love dried cherries in anything, but paired with the salad and the vinaigrette they sound wonderful. BTW, we've had our share of yawning here in Central Illinois this month. :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
joey said…
I agree, good stuff, Beckie! For a super Heart-Healthy Snack full of fiber and antioxidants, I keep a mixture of dried cherries (or blueberries) and shelled pistachios handy for a quick fix. Great for busy gardening days (if I could ever get out there)!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Heather BT said…
And here I was thinking that it'd be a recipe for maple sugar candy!
;)
Did you know the Nat'l Federation for the Blind is having their convention here over fourth of July weekend? We're going, should be good.
take care
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Anonymous said…
Hi Joey, yum to this one, well to all of them, but this one can be accomplished, maybe tonight even. Our girl scout troop in PA went to a farm and tapped the trees to make the syrup. We carried the bucket to the boiling house and the smell was incredible. I will only eat the real thing anymore, no matter the cost. Many of the sugar maples have died in PA, glad to hear the Michigan ones continue. I will look for those cherries too. Thanks once again. You are the best!
Frances
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Unknown said…
When I was little we owned 40 acres in the country that had huge old maples. One spring we harvested sap and made our own syrup. We ended up with one jar full after all those gallons were cooked down. I will never forget that memory. Hauling the heavy buckets full of sap through the snow on our rolling land. I miss that property so much. Wish we hadn't sold it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
joey said…
Spring hugs, Heather. Did not know that ... will get more info from you when I see you in person and catch up. Getting antsy and might head to E.G. over the weekend for some pansies and ... you know me, a few other goodies.

A awesome time of year isn't it, Frances. I'm in awe every spring watching the earth awaken, each day offering a unique gift like our maple syrup and yawning gardens. Curious where you lived in PA, a beautiful state ... my sister raised her family in Brockway/DuBois and my niece lives in Yardley (Bucks Co).
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Rose said…
This salad combines some of my favorite ingredients--another one to add to my collection!

I didn't realize Michigan also made maple syrup; I just assumed it all came from Vermont:)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
marmee said…
since my dh is canadian he love pure maple syrup, he sweetens his coffee with it. we have been to the old fashion maple farms at harvesting time and the kids love the maple candy.
this salad sounds so yummy!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Catherine said…
I love maple syrup,& maple candy!:)
The Raspberry vinaigrette..mmmm!
Enjoy the Spring Joey!!
Have a beautiful week!
((Hugs))
Cat
Monday, March 30, 2009
flowers said…
Fantastic salad, already have a great taste in my mouth
Monday, July 06, 2009
joey said…
Wonderful, flowers! Enjoy this classic yummy treat.
Monday, July 06, 2009
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