Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Smoked Feta And Candied Pecans Recipes

WARM BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD WITH SMOKED FETA AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Start by tearing apart the brussels sprouts. Cut off about 1/3 of the stem end and pull the leaves apart; this takes some time, but it's worth it. Start by pressing outward with your thumbs on the cut side. This will yield the largest leaves and make for a fluffier salad. When you get to the core, just split it in half and throw it in with the leaves.
• Blanch the leaves in boiling, salted water (as salty as the sea) until they turn bright green. This will take 10 seconds. Run the leaves under cold water to stop the cooking. Dry the sprout leaves in a salad spinner or lay them out on a clean towel to dry.
• Spread the sugar in a cold 10-inch frying pan and melt it over medium heat. Once the edges of the sugar start to melt, stir the sugar until all the lumps disappear. Remove from the heat. Toss the pecans in the melted sugar until coated. It will look a bit like spun sugar as you stir the pecans into the sugar, and the pecans will stick together as they cool. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. Once the pecans have cooled, break the mass apart using your hands. Roughly chop the pecans.
• Cut the feta into a 1/4-inch dice. If you cannot find smoked feta in your area, just use feta cheese and add 1/4 teaspoon Liquid Smoke to the dressing.
• Now you're ready to assemble the salad. Place 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a large frying pan over low heat. The heat should not be so high that the dressing sizzles. Once the dressing is warm, place the sprout leaves in the pan and toss with the dressing. Transfer to a large plate. Sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Add salt and pepper to taste.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Meanwhile, remove any wilted outer leaves from the brussels sprouts and cut off the stems. Soak the sprouts in cold water and drain well.
• Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add the brussels sprouts and seasoned salt. Stir and cook, tossing frequently, until barely tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add the brown sugar, pepper and reserved pecans to the skillet. Toss the brussels sprouts to coat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is melted and the brussels sprouts are coated in the melted sugar and pecans, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a warm serving dish and serve immediately.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH MAPLE CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Clean the sprouts by peeling the outer layers. Quickly blanch in boiling salted water and then remove to an ice water bath.
• Soak the pecans in boiling water, then remove and dredge in maple sugar. Reserve maple sugar for later.
• Preheat a deep-fryer or heat 3 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven until it reaches 350 degrees F. When oil is hot, add pecans and deep-fry for about 1 minute. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with remaining maple sugar.
• Melt butter in a saucepan large enough to hold all the Brussels sprouts (you may need to do this in batches). Let butter brown, then add sprouts and saute in browned butter until tender. Add the candied pecans. Deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve warm.