Lettuce Salad with Sweet Purple Onion

Lettuce is a leaf vegetable first cultivated by ancient Egyptians. There are several types of lettuce. The leaf, head and romaine are common. Iceberg lettuce is popular lettuce in the US. Butterhead, too.

Most lettuce is used in salads either alone or with other greens, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Romaine lettuce is often used for Caesar salads, with a dressing that includes anchovies and eggs. Lettuce leaves can also be found in soups, sandwiches and wraps, while the stems are eaten both raw and cooked.

The Romans likewise claimed that it increased sexual potency. Lettuce has mild narcotic properties; it was called "sleepwort" by the Anglo-Saxons. Spain is the world's largest exporter of lettuce with the US ranking second.

Lettuce extracts are sometimes used in skin creams and lotions for treating sunburn and rough skin. Folk medicine makes claims that lettuce is a treatment for pain, rheumatism, tension and nervousness, coughs and mental instability.

Depending on the variety, lettuce is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium, with higher concentrations of vitamin A found in darker green lettuces.

Lettuce Salad with Sweet Purple Onion Dressing
Serves 4

1 head red iceburg
1 head green iceburg
18 oz pkg. fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
18 oz pkg, mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 oz sugared silvered almonds

To sugar almonds:
In small skillet, sprinkle 4 tbsp sugar over almonds and cook over medium heat until almonds are coated and sugar has dissolved. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until cold.

For dressing:
1/4 cup purple onion
1 cup sugar
2 tsp dry mustard
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup re wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil

Blend all dressing ingredients, but oil, in blender for a couple of minutes. While blender is going, add oil slowly. keep blender going all the time and another minute after the oil is fully added.

For salad:
Gently tear or chop iceburg lettuce; add cheeses and toss. Drizzle dressing over salad, top with almonds. Serve cold.

Substitute bagged lettuce: Italian and leafy Romaine