We once again celebrated the season with our annual Clay Coyote Christmas party. We always include a “few of our favorite things” each year…  Local ingredients, a selection of Paula Wolfert recipes, dishes made in Clay Coyote pottery, and ice cream. This year Tom and Betsy made roasted pork from Dale Rusch’s farm here in Hutchinson. Virginia made an artichoke dip in a Clay Coyote casserole dish. Michele created this salad recipe from Paula’s new book, The Food of Morocco.  Moroccans take on salad has altered my perception on how to begin a meal. Instead of focusing on what dressing will cover the vegetables, they seem to primarily consider freshness and vibrancy.

Orange, Romaine, and Walnut Salad

1 head tender romaine lettuce
3 navel or temple oranges
Dressing:
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
3 Tablespoons orange flower water
2 Tablespoons reserved orange juice
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1. Wash the romaine lettuce and separate into leaves, discarding the tough outer ones. Drain, wrap in paper towels, and refrigerate until needed.

2. Peel and section the oranges. Reserve 2 Tablespoons for dressing. Cover and keep chilled.

3. To make the dressing: Mix lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, orange flower water, and OJ in a bowl, blending well. Taste: the dressing should be sweet. Add more sugar if necessary.

4. Just before serving, shred the lettuce and arrange in a glass serving dish. Pour the dressing over and toss. Arrange overlapping sections of oranges around the edges, then sprinkle the salad with chopped walnuts and dust with cinnamon.

It was enjoyed by all at our table…