Macie's Bodacious Broccoli Salad

                                                                                                                                   

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel”  Matthew 1

8 slices bacon

2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped

1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 large red onion, chopped

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/8 cup white sugar

1/2 white raisins

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and crumble.

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, bacon and onion.

Prepare the dressing in a small bowl by whisking together the red wine vinegar, sugar, pepper, salt, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Combine dressing with salad. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.