Friends coming for lunch

This sweet plaque was given to me by a dear friend some years ago and hangs where all can see  when they come to our front door. We have had many people from all walks of life come to our home over the years and our prayer is that they feel loved and welcomed.  Tomorrow the ladies from my Bible study will be coming for lunch.  I have been working to make everything nice for their arrival.  But most of all I hope they feel the peace of God when they enter my home.  
I look forward to a fun time of visiting while we eat the salads and desserts they are bringing.


Here is my salad:

Fruity Spring Mix Salad
   ~Southern Living

1 head Bibb lettuce, torn
*10 ounce gourmet mixed salad greens
2 C. fresh chopped pineapple (1-in cubes)
2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and chilled
16 green or red seedless grapes, cut in half lengthwise
Sweet-Hot Vinaigrette
Sugared Almonds

Toss first 6 ingredients together in a large glass bowl. Drizzle evenly with Sweet-Hot Vinaigrette and sprinkle with Sugared Almonds.
*10 cups, loosely packed and torn, of your favorite salad greens may be substituted.

Sweet-Hot Vinaigrette

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Whisk together all ingredients. Cover;chill 30 min.

Sugared Almonds

1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup sugar

Stir together all ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, 10 minutes or until golden. Spread mixture in an even layer on lightly greased wax paper, and let cool 20 minutes. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.