Best Broccoli Salad

I love broccoli salad.  It's sweet, tangy, crunchy...it has it all.  It is easy to make and is always a welcome addition to a buffet table.  You can purchase it at most supermarkets, but I encourage you to make it yourself.  You will be surprised how easy it is to prepare and how much better your homemade version tastes!

Best Broccoli Salad

3 heads broccoli, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
1 small red onion, diced
1 cup raisins
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 lb bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Fry (or bake, see below) bacon until crisp.  Chop and put in large mixing bowl.  Chop broccoli and onion, add both to large mixing bowl.  Add raisins and sunflower seeds*.  In separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sugar, and vinegar to form dressing.  Pour over broccoli mixture.  Gently fold in dressing until salad ingredients are evening covered.

** Note:  If you are making this ahead of time, wait to fold in the sunflower seeds until just before serving.

Baked Bacon

I like to bake bacon when I'm preparing a lot of it because it saves precious stovetop space and frankly, there's way less clean up.  Here's an easy way to make it:

Preheat oven to 400.  Lay bacon on a jellyroll pan (or any cookie sheet with sides) lined with aluminum foil.  Bake 15-20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.  Dry on paper towels.