Mandarin Salad - a recipe of friendship

 
 This Mandarin Salad recipe is associated with friendship.  About 27 years ago when my son was a young boy we were lucky enough to have the most amazing neighbors, Harry and Sandy, who would soon strike up a memorable friendship with us. It so happened that once we started talking, we found out that we had so much in common - we had both spent time in the town of Guelph, had a common love for antiques and clicked on many levels.
The friendship was kick-started by Harry who knocked on our front door one Saturday morning with a request to borrow an egg to make pancakes.  After Harry left with the egg, I could not help but laugh with Kevin (delightfully of course) at the neighborly "borrow a cuppa' sugar" cliche that we just witnessed. I was so happy that our neighbors did in fact feel comfortable enough to knock on our door.  Of course Harry returned the one egg, and later called us over for tea, and we started a beautiful friendship.
During one of our dinner exchanges, Harry and Sandy served this Mandarin salad as an appetizer. I immediately fell in love with it and expressed this out loud.  Harry and Sandy quickly pulled out their Betty Crocker Binder and let me write down the recipe.  I was touched by their generosity.
Harry and Sandy, I think of you every time I make this recipe.  My family and guests are always pleased when this refreshing salad is served.
Cheers Harry and Sandy...may you be blessed with sunshine and happiness always!
Note:  Just 2 weeks ago we caught up with Harry and Sandy after many years of losing touch with each other.  We met for coffee and dessert, and picked up like we had never been apart. Our families have grown, but in many respects we found several common elements in our paths.




I thought it would be quite authentic if I just scanned and posted this 27 year old piece of love......
In this photograph, I substituted caramelized pecans for the almonds.