Many years ago, we lived on a cul-de-sac in small town mortgaged suburbia. My parents had moved there from halfway across the country, just a few months before Christmas. On Christmas Day the neighbour across the street came over to our house, rang the bell, introduced herself and gave us three kids (only three at the time) a candy cane.

That was the start of what was to become a very important friendship to our family. Eventually, this child-less couple would became Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter. They were another set of grandparents to us kids (eventually 8 of us). I am so grateful that she decided to cross the street that day. Our lives were much richer for knowing them.

I am reminded of them every Thanksgiving and Christmas because of Tomorrow Salad. It’s a version of Ambrosia Salad, no doubt from the jelly-filled fifties or sixties. We had it every Thanksgiving and Christmas meal, courtesy of Aunt Mary. And we have carried on that tradition. It’s become my contribution to the family dinner. It wasn’t until my son was doing a family heritage month at his pre-school that I realized that this recipe is one of our family traditions. It’s called a salad, but is really barely nutritious. I’m sure the fruit is cancelled out by the whipped cream and marshmallows. Still, it’s yummy, makes me think of my childhood, and of course Aunt Mary and Uncle Peter.

Tomorrow Salad

 Note my newly re-finished (by me) dining room table. Nice eh?

Tomorrow Salad

“Dressing”

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar

1. Beat ingredients together in saucepan.
2. Boil until thick stirring constantly.
3. Set aside to cool

Salad

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/4 cup sugar

1. Beat whipping cream and sugar until stiff

• 2 cups pineapple chunks (I find a 540 ml can does nicely, don’t forget to drain the juice)
• 2 cups small marshmallows (or chop up some large marshmallows)
• 2 large oranges (I use 2 small cans of mandarin oranges with the juice drained)

1. Fold dressing into the whipped cream
2. Mix fruit in last
3. Adorn top with dried cranberries (optional)
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve

If you’d like, a printable .pdf for your recipe books: tomorrow-salad

And now, I’ll have a place I know I’ll be able to find it.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Tell me someone you’re grateful for in the comments.