Although coleslaw is popular anytime, it is an absolutely essential side dish to any southern-style barbecue (with baked beans, of course). Everyone seems to have a preference: sweet or savory; creamy dressing or vinaigrette; add-ins such as celery seeds, fruit, onions, etc. – actually, there are probably hundreds, even thousands of recipes out there. The following Bleu Bacon & Apple Slaw is a favorite, and is special enough to be served to company, but easy enough to serve anytime.

It's okay if you have extra time to shred a head of cabbage and grate carrots, but coleslaw mix is readily available in grocery stores and is very convenient. There is a little chopping involved (red onion and an apple), and the bacon must be cooked (although you may substitute the kind in the bag (my kids call it "fake-n") but it isn't quite as good. All told, you won't need to spend much more than 15 minutes hands-on time chopping and assembling, and will need to monitor the bacon while it's cooking (and can do the chopping and whizz the dressing while it cooks). The unique flavors will appeal to almost everyone, and you can expect requests for the recipe.

12 Servings

1 16 oz. package coleslaw mix
1 crisp apple, cut into 8 wedges and sliced
2 tablespoons red onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, or Gorgonzola
1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup light mayonnaise

1. Mix the coleslaw mix, apple slices, red onion, and blue cheese, in a serving bowl.
2. Measure the dressing ingredients into a blender container; blend until the sugar is dissolved; pour over the cabbage mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate until serving time and stir in the bacon and walnuts.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 196 Calories from Fat 121
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 62% Protein 8% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per Serving:
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 204 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 36% Calcium 0% Iron 3%