Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

Source: from my friend Cindy

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-sized pieces
4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup cashews
1/4 cup dried cranberries (I like to use dried cherries)
1 apple, peeled, cored and cubed
1 pear, cubed

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.

In a large serving bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, shredded swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, cubed apple and cubed pear. Toss to mix, then pour dressing over salad just before serving and toss to coat. Makes 12 1-cup servings.