Half Baked Harvest Kale Caesar Recipes

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil. Toss in half the garlic and the crushed red pepper and bring the pan to medium heat. Cook the garlic until it becomes golden and very aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and ditch it-it has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Toss in the bread cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden, crisp, and have absorbed all the oil, like little olive oil sponges. Remove from the heat and reserve.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the Parmigiano, lemon zest and juice, the remaining garlic, the Dijon, anchovies, and Worcestershire. Puree until the mixture is smooth, 15 to 20 seconds. With the machine running, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil through the feed tube. Let the processor continue to run for another 10 to 15 seconds. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• In a large bowl, toss the kale with the croutons and two-thirds of the dressing. Let the kale sit for 3 to 4 minutes to soften. Taste, add the remaining dressing, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

KALE SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Toast pine nuts: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Scatter the pine nuts on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven, shaking or rotating the pan halfway through, until fragrant and golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Remove the pine nuts from the oven and cool to room temperature.
• Marinate anchovies: Drain and discard the brine the anchovies are packed in. In a small, flat dish, arrange ½ of the anchovy fillets in a single layer, skin side down. Use a traditional citrus zester to zest ½ of the lemon on top; then sprinkle with ½ the olive oil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Repeat layering once more, finishing with the olive oil. Let the anchovies sit in the marinade at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. (Keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 months.)
• Vinaigrette: Trim the root end from the shallots, then discard skin. Finely mince, then place in a medium bowl. Grate garlic cloves on a Microplane and add to the shallots, along with a large pinch of red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper (about 12 grinds of a pepper mill), and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine, then set aside to macerate, 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, use a Microplane to grate lemon zest; add to the bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Finally, grate the ricotta salata into the bowl and whisk to combine one last time.
• Dress the salad: Place kale in a large mixing bowl and toss with a pinch of salt. Add several spoonfuls of dressing and gently massage it into the kale, making sure to coat the leaves thoroughly. Add more dressing as needed. (It's always a good idea to start with less dressing and add more as you go.) Layer the salad to assemble: Place a third of the kale on the bottom of a large serving bowl. Drape a few anchovies onto the kale and sprinkle with pine nuts. Finish by grating a thin layer of ricotta salata on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, then serve.