Mesclun with Black Berries and Sweet Spiced Almonds

I really enjoy a good salad. A light and tangy vinaigrette.. slices of fresh fruit.. toasted nuts.. baby spinach.. mmm. I saw this recipe in Cooking Light and thought it sounded a little different. I've toasted all different kinds of nuts in salads but never put spices on them. It was tasty and very flavorful. Perfect for summer.

Mesclun with (Black)Berries and Sweet Spiced Almonds

5 C. Gourmet salad greens (I used baby spinach and spring          
     mix)
1 3/4 C. Raspberries, cut in half (I used black berries)
1/4 C. chopped chives
3 T. white wine vinegar
2 t. honey
1/2 t. country-style dijon mustard
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. fresh cracked pepper
1 T. canola oil
6 T. sweet spiced almonds (I don't measure)
  
Sweet Spiced Almonds
 (makes 2 cups)
1 C. sliced almonds
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ground coriander
1/2 t. ground cumin
1 large egg white, lightly beaten (I used egg replacer)

Make almonds:

Preheat oven 325. Combine almonds and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in egg white or replacer. Spread evenly onto a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 10 mins. Stir and bake another 15 mins or until crip. Let cool. Break into small pieces. Set aside.

Combine greens, berries, and chives in a large bowl. Combine vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, & pepper in a small bowl. Gradually add oil stirring with a whisk. (I put all ingredients in a small glass mason jar with a lid and shake). Drizzle over salad and toss. Top with nuts. 

Chives, fresh from the garden!

 We all enjoyed the salad very much! I would like to try it with raspberries next time. But the blackberries were delicious with the dressing. It was a very easy and quick salad to make. I actually used rice vinegar because I didn't have white wine vinegar. I love how I have the freedom to swap ingredients and be creative. I served this salad with sauteed crispy rosemary potato slices, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, and italian bread slices. So good. 
  
Good afternoon, good evening, and goodnite. (name that movie!)
  
Chef Teebs