Broccoli Salad

When I was still working we used to have a lot of retirement luncheons at a local restaurant called Hodel's Country Dining, or just Hodel's. They make a delicious cold broccoli salad. The first time I heard about it, it didn't sound too appealing to me. But then everybody kept raving about it, so I tried it. It was good.

I was having a hankering for this lately, so I made it this afternoon. I don't know if this is the original Hodel's recipe, but it sure tastes the same. I got this recipe from a friend who also worked at the police department, who also just happened to marry the chief (now retired).

If you want to skip the pictures go straight to the bottom. It's such an easy dish to make and I don't know anyone who doesn't like it.

Start with 2 bunches of broccoli, 1 red onion, 1 pound bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins.

Steam the broccoli until it is al dente, still a bit crunchy, not cooked all the way through.

Meanwhile cook the bacon. You are going to want it to be really crisp.

When the broccoli gets to the right doneness, put under cold water to stop the cooking.

The bacon's not done yet. I'll bet even Paula Dean would like this recipe!

Now the bacon is done.

Drain on paper towels.

While broccoli and bacon are cooling, chop 1 red onion and mix together with 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, and 1/2 cup raisins (I like just a tad more, as you can see).

Chop the broccoli into bite size pieces, crumble the bacon, and add to the onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins.

Oops. Get a bigger bowl so everything can be tossed together without spilling once you add the dressing.

Now for the dressing. You will need mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and sugar.

Mix together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons sugar.

I like to use my hands to mix. It mixes a lot better and it's a lot more fun.

Chill in the fridge for a while (the salad, not you). I find I don't even have to adjust the seasoning at all.

Here it is again, without the photos:

BROCCOLI SALAD

Mix together:
2 bunches chopped broccoli (I steam mine to al dente)
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C raisins
1 lb. bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

DRESSING:
1 c mayonnaise
2 T red wine vinegar
3 T sugar
Stir together, then pour over salad and toss.