Hearts of romaine with apple cider vinaigrette
4 Servings
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | large | Romaine lettuce, washed and trimmed |
| 4 | ounces | Stilton cheese, cut in wedges |
| 2 | ounces | Hazelnuts, dry-roasted, coarsely chopped |
| 2 | larges | Pippin apples, cored and quartered |
| Extra virgin olive oil, to coat lightly | ||
| Salt and pepper, to taste -Vinaigrette--- | ||
| ¼ | cup | Organic apple juice, reduced by half |
| ¼ | cup | Organic apple cider vinegar, or more to taste |
| 1 | teaspoon | Coleman's dry mustard, or to taste |
| 2 | tablespoons | Sharwood's mango chutney |
| ¼ | cup | Fresh herbs (basil, tarragon, dill), chopped |
| 1 | teaspoon | Fresh garlic, chopped |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | ||
| ½ | cup | Extra virgin olive oil |
Directions
For the Salad: Clean the romaine by dunking in ice water. Cut off stem end and use only the tender inner leaves. Cut the Stilton into 1 ounce wedges, or crumble. Toast the hazelnuts in a 300 F. degree until golden brown.
Break up slightly or chop lightly. Cut apple wedges in thick slices and toss with a little olive oil seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast the apple slices in a 350 F. degree oven until warm, but still firm (about 20-30 minutes).
For The Vinaigrette: Place the apple juice, vinegar, dry mustard, chutney and the chopped garlic in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the olive oil very, very, very slowly until incorporated (Add slowly to avoid having the vinaigrette break). Fold the chopped herbs in at the last minute. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Makes about 1 cup of vinaigrette. This vinaigrette will keep up to two weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Chef's Notes: The addition of the unusual roasted apples, combined with the flavors of the vinaigrette and the Stilton makes for a wonderful salad.
This versatile vinaigrette may be used on chicken, salmon or other meats, fish or poultry as a marinade or basting sauce.
This salad was featured on the menu of City Cafe. It was one of the items presented at a "What's Cooking" class at Whole Foods Market in Dallas on April 2, 1997.
Formatted to MasterCook for you on 4/4/97 and used with the permission of Chef Tramel by Terri Sonleitner Law <madcook@...> NOTES : This is a fabulous salad and worthy of your most discerning guests! The vinaigrette can double as a wonderful marinade and basting sauce.
Recipe by: Stacey Tramel, executive chef of City Cafe, Dallas Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #612 by Paul & Terri Law <madcook@...> on May 14, 1997