Hearts Of Romaine With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Recipe Ingredients

1		Romaine lettuce - washed and trimmed (large)
4 oz	113g	Stilton cheese - cut in wedges
2 oz	56g	Hazelnuts - dry-roasted, coarsely chopped
2		Pippin apples - cored and quartered (large)
		Extra virgin olive oil - to coat lightly
		Salt and pepper - to taste
		Vinaigrette
1/4 cup	59ml	Organic apple juice - reduced by half
1/4 cup	59ml	Organic apple cider vinegar - or more to taste
1 teaspoon	5ml	Coleman's dry mustard - or to taste
2 tablespoons	30ml	Sharwood's mango chutney
1/4 cup	27g / 1oz	Fresh mixed herbs - (basil, tarragon, dill)
1 teaspoon	5ml	Fresh garlic - chopped
		Salt and pepper - to taste
1/2 cup	118ml	Extra virgin olive oil

Recipe Instructions

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 degrees F. 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 350F 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 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.

NOTES : This is a fabulous salad and worthy of your most discerning guests! The vinaigrette can double as a wonderful marinade and basting sauce.

Source:
Stacey Tramel, Executive Chef of City Cafe, Dallas

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