We had our monthly meeting today, which always includes a salad/bread/dessert luncheon provided by the members. I'd volunteered to bring a salad. Being one who wants simplicity in my kitchen efforts, I looked in Tastes and Treasures and decided on what looked like an easy one to make: Romaine Salad with Two Cheeses (page 169). Plus it could be assembled up to 24 hours before serving. I could whip this together at midnight, if I wanted to. The recipe calls for romaine, Parmesan, Romano, avocado and green onions in an olive oil, lemon juice and Beau Monde seasoning blend. Beau Monde seasoning ... mmm.
Checking the spice aisles at 2 grocery stores revealed nothing so I got on the Internet to find out exactly what Beau Monde had in it. cdkitchen.com featured a recipe. Easy enough to mix, Beau Monde is a blend of cloves, cinnamon, salt, bay leaf, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, celery seed, and white pepper. But my spice rack only contains the basics like garlic powder. Back to the store.
I'd say it was worth the effort. It tasted great to me and the big bowl of a doubled recipe was empty so members must have found it to be pretty good, too. And I have a jar full of Beau Monde when I want to make the salad again.
April Riggins brought the Special Chocolate Chip Cookies (page 191.) She substituted the walnuts for pecans, but wow. Either way, they would have been delicious. The plate of 24 cookies disappeared fast. April said that she should have brought more because she had members saying that they were disappointed not to have had a chance to try them.
