Snow Pea Salad

Snow Pea Salad

1 pound fresh snow pea pods, stemmed (about 5-1/2 cups)

 1/4 cup salad oil
 2 tablespoons sugar
 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
 2 tablespoons water
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 2 tablespoons vinegar
 1 clove garlic, minced
 4 cups shredded lettuce
 4 strips bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled
 1/2 cup snipped fresh parsley (optional)
 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)

 If desired, cut large pea pods in half crosswise.

Place the pea pods in a steamer basket over boiling water (the basket

 should not touch the boiling water). Cover and steam for 30 secs. Remove
 pea pods from steamer basket. Rinse with cold water. Drain well. Cover
 and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hr.

Meanwhile, for dressing, in a screw-top jar, combine salad oil, sugar, sesame seeds, water, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic. Cover; shake well. Chill in the refrigerator.

In a very large salad bowl, combine the the pea pods,  lettuce, bacon, and, if desired, parsley. Toss to mix. Shake dressing and pour over salad; toss lightly to coat. Top with sliced carrot.

Makes 10 side-dish servings.