Festive Tossed Salad

Ingredients:

½ cup sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup canola oil
2 to 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
10 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese – Swiss, Blue, Colby, your choice
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium pear, chopped
 ¼ cup dried cranberries
½ to 1 cup cashews

Directions:

1. For the dressing:  In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, onion and salt.  Cover and process until blended.  With the blender running, gradually add oil.  Add the poppy seeds and blend.
2. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, apple, pear and cranberries. 
3. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing.  Add cashews; toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.