Apple Pear Winter Salad

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice 2 teaspoons diced onion 1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces 4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese 1 cup cashews 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1 apple - peeled, cored and diced 1 pear - peeled, cored and sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1.	In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds, and process just a few seconds more to mix.
2.	In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving, and toss to coat.