David Gross Paintings



jux•ta•po•si•tion

 [juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uh n]

1. an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast.

2. the state of being close together or side by side.

“Juxtaposition” is such a funny word.

While hanging some art work in my house, I had to deal with abstract paintings along with traditional wall paper and furniture. Talk about juxtaposition! But you know what? It works! My extremely traditional wallpaper in my kitchen goes so well with the antique photos of my Great Grandmother Ella Estes holding the first Bingham Johnston and the 2 photos of my Grandparents, Wm. Clyde and Florence Ogg. POW! Within 6 feet of them….4 David Gross 12” square acrylic abstract drip paintings….on the same wallpaper! Some may call me crazy….I call me lucky!

In the living room I have a huge bright almost primary color abstract within 12 feet of my Ponte Vecchio. To be quite honest…it doesn’t work as well because Ponte Vecchio just doesn’t belong over my mantle. However, it is going to stay there for awhile. It is for sale, but I am still enjoying it.

In my dining room, on stonewall looking wallpaper, I have 2 of my new sparkling abstracts, one above the other, and at a 90 degree angle and 4 feet away is my new big floral. I think my dining room is looking pretty darned good!

Right now, my house is a perfect example of jux•ta•po•si•tion!

You know, that word works well describing some foods that sound like they should not go together, but yet, they do. For instance, what do you think of the two words Maple and Vinaigrette together? One extremely sweet, the other vinegary and sharp. My favorite salad is one with a Maple Vinaigrette! This is a salad perfect for holiday meals…easy, readily available ingredients, but yet, delicious, unusual and perfect for company! What more could you ask for? I have watched people follow me to the kitchen, as I am clearing the table, just to continue picking the apples, dried cherries and pecans covered with the dressing out of the bottom of the salad bowl. I have never served it that it did not cause a stir! I hope you give it a try, I know you will love it.

Apple, Dried Cherry and Pecan Salad with Maple Vinaigrette


6 servings
Maple Dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or other white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Salad

1 bag mixed baby greens (about 10 cups lightly packed) (5 ounce)

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into matchstick-size strips

1/2 cup dried tart cherries

1/2 cup whole pecans, toasted

For dressing:

Whisk mayonnaise, maple syrup, vinegar, and sugar in medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil until mixture thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Dressing can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Re-whisk before using.)

For salad:

Toss greens, apples, cherries, and 1/4 cup pecans in large bowl to combine. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Divide salad equally among plates. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans and serve.