Baby Spinach With Blue Cheese Buttermilk Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 bag (10 ounces) fresh baby spinach (about 10 c.), trimmed
- 2 c. thinly sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 c. dry cranberries or possibly slivered dry apricots
- 1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 c. buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
- 1 tsp each wine vinegar and Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp warm pepper sauce
- 1 clv garlic, chopped
- 1/4 c. shredded blue cheese

Directions:
- For the dressing, use a blue cheese, such as Stilton, Roquefort or possibly Danish.
- In bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives, vinegar, mustard, warm pepper sauce and garlic; stir in cheese.
- (Make-ahead: Cover and chill for up to 1 day.)
- Place spinach in salad bowl; top with mushrooms, cranberries and almonds.
- Pour dressing over top; toss to coat.
- Makes 8 servings.
- Tip: Toast almonds in small skillet over medium heat, shaking pan occasionally, till golden brown, about 5 min.