Winter Salad

It's still October, but I can feel winter's cold breath on my cheeks when I bike to work in the morning. And while most people wouldn't be excited about crafting up a salad for dinner this time of year, I think that's pretty much a perfect choice.

No, I'm not crazy or having a hot flash. I just mean a different kind of salad than a bright summer salad. I'm not using juicy, grilled peaches or fresh off the vine cherry tomatoes, instead I'm using cooler weather ingredients to make my perfect winter salad. It's full of bright citrus, bitter radicchio, walnuts, and dates. To me, it's a perfect winter salad and the thought of it gets me through those chilly winter bike rides (especially when it's paired with a glass of white wine!)

Sweet on Dates

I love dates. They provide a natural sweetness and stickiness to baking and who doesn't love something sweet?

I am not sure how dates got their name, but I do know that when I am invited out dancing by my Sweetheart it's called a date. And that's why the ninth day of Christmas is bringing nine ladies dancing and a few dozen Date Turnover Cookies!

These are not the type of cookie I would suggest making with kids because they're fiddly, but they're the perfect size for a kid to bite into at dessert.

Keep reading for the recipe!

Raising the Bar

When I was home visiting my mom, I saw a well loved recipe pinned to her fridge. I saw the recipe was from a magazine and checked the date to see how long it had been there. 

I was very surprised to see that the recipe was from a magazine only a year old. The paper was a bit oily and there were a lot of crumpled edges, so I knew this recipe had to have been recreated a few times. And that meant it was good. 

We added a few more dates that were featured in the original recipe and that made the dessert even tastier. 

Check out the bars and let me know what you think!