Grilled Asparagus And Roasted Mushroom Salad With Toasted Pecans Blue Cheese And Red Chile Mustard Vinaigrette Recipes

SALAD WITH WARM GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Slice the Montrachet into 12 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. (The easiest way to slice goat cheese is to use a length of dental floss.) Dip each slice into the beaten egg whites, then the bread crumbs, being sure the cheese is thoroughly coated. Place the slices on a rack and chill them for at least 15 minutes.
• For the dressing, place the vinegars, sugar, salt, pepper, and egg yolk in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and blend for 1 minute. With the motor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube until the vinaigrette is thickened. Season, to taste.
• Toss the salad greens with enough dressing to moisten, then divide them among 6 plates.
• Melt 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat until just under smoking. Cook the goat cheese rounds quickly on both sides until browned on the outside but not melted inside. Top each salad with 2 warm rounds and serve.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425*.
• In a non-stick baking baking sheet with sides, toss the asparagus and mushrooms with the oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Spread the vegetables in a single layer.
• Roast for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and browned, turning once or twice.
• Place vegetables on a serving platter.
• Sprinkle vegetables with vinegar and toss gently to combine.
• Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Makes 4 servings.

ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOM SALAD

Steps:

• Steam the asparagus for three to five minutes, depending on how thick the stalks are. It should be tender but still have some bite. Rinse with cold water, and drain for a minute on a kitchen towel. Cut into 1-inch lengths. Place in a salad bowl, and toss with the mushrooms, herbs and arugula.
• Whisk together the lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic and olive oil. Toss with the asparagus mixture and the slivered Parmesan, and serve.

RED AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Divide Bibb lettuce leaves between 4 salad plates. Cover with thinly-sliced radishes, drizzle with olive oil and aged red wine vinegar, and sprinkle with blue cheese.