Frisée Salad With Goat Cheese Croques Monsieurs Recipes

FRISéE SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE CROQUES-MONSIEURS

Steps:

• In a salad bowl whisk together the shallot, the mustard, the vinegar, and salt to taste and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified.
• In a small bowl cream together the goat cheese and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Spread 4 slices of the bread with the mixture and top them with the remaining slices, pressing the sandwiches lightly. In a small non-stick skillet heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking, in it sauté 2 of the sandwiches for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden, and transfer them to a plate. Sauté the remaining 2 sandwiches in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in the same manner.
• Cut the croques-monsieurs into 1-inch squares. Add the frisée to the salad bowl, toss it to coat it with the dressing, and add the croque-monsieur squares, tossing the salad gently.

FRISEE SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE, MAPLE VINAIGRETTE AND CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, syrup and shallot, add the oils in a stream, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is emulsified. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Make the candied walnuts: In a saucepan simmer the walnuts in water to cover for 5 minutes, or until they are softened slightly, drain them, and transfer them to a paper towel to dry completely. In a bowl stir together the walnuts and the sugar. In a Dutch oven heat 3 inches of the oil to 350 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer and in it fry the walnuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are brown and crisp. Transfer the walnuts as they are fried with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet and season them with the salt and cayenne.
• In a large bowl, toss the frisee with the dates and enough of the vinaigrette to just coat the salad, rserving any remaining vinaigrette for another use. Divide the salad among 6 plates, mounding it in the center, divide the cheeses and the bread around it, and sprinkle the salads with the walnuts and the herbs.