The Garden has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary category. Have you seen this film? The “Garden” refers to the 14-acre community garden in South Central LA that was created after the L.A. riots in ’92. When the land is sold to a wealthy developer, the farmers take on City Hall with their plight.

The movie title made it an obvious choice to name the mystery dinner salad for the Academy Awards party. Kathy Fischer from my ”Gourmet Group” fixed this salad for the Valentine’s Day Party and it’s definitely Oscar worthy!

  4  cups  field greens (Santa Barbara Lettuce)
  3  green onions — chopped
  4  ounces  Gorgonzola cheese
  8  ounces bag  dried cherries — chopped
                       

VINAGRETTE
  2/3        cup  sugar
  1 1/2     teaspoons  dry mustard
  1            teaspoon  salt
  2/3        cup  white vinegar
  3            tablespoons  apple cider vinegar
  4 1/2     teaspoons  onions — minced
  2            tablespoons  Worcestershire sauce
  1            cup  vegetable oil
  1            cup  spicy nuts
                       

SPICY NUTS
  2             cups  pecans (unsalted) — chopped
  2             cups  walnuts (unsalted) — chopped
  2             teaspoons  salt
  1             teaspoon  ground cinnamon
  1             teaspoon  ground cumin
  1             teaspoon  fresh ground pepper
  1/2         teaspoon  cayenne
  1             large  egg white
  1             cup  sugar

In a large salad bowl mix lettuce, Gorgonzola and spicy nuts.  Add enough vinnegrette to lightly coat lettuce and toss.

VINEGRETTE:  Mix ingredients in bowl and slowly whisk in oil.

SPICY PECANS:  Mix salt, cinnamon, cumin, pepper and cayenne in small bowl. Add nuts.  In a larger bowl beat egg white until foamy.  Add sugar and beat until soft peaks form.  Add nuts and coat.  Spray 2 15 X 10 jelly roll pans with PAM.  Divide nut mixture and place in pans.  Bake in 325 degree oven until nuts are golden.  Cool.  Crumble nuts and place in air tight container.  Will keep for 1 month in refrigerator.