Jims Northwest Chef Salad Recipes

NORTHWEST AUTUMN SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing: Mix together oil, vinegar, shallot, syrup,lemon juice, salt and pepper until emulsified.
• To Complete the Salad: Toss together lettuces, pears, pecans, cheese and dressing.
• Serve immediately.
• For the Candied Pecans:.
• Stir together nuts, sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown.
• Spread mixture in a single layer on lightly greased waxed paper. Cool and break into pieces.

CHEF'S SALAD

Steps:

• Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and put into a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Divide the lettuce among 4 large individual serving bowls. Arrange the cheese, meats, eggs, and avocado, like the spokes of a wheel, on top of each salad. Scatter the tomatoes, cucumbers and croutons on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and pass the remaining dressing at the table.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the shallots. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Use immediately or store covered, in the refrigerator, for up to a week.
• Set a medium bowl on a kitchen towel shaped like an "O" (this helps keep the bowl steady while whisking). Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper in the bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is combined and blended well. Use right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. For variety, add your favorite dried or chopped fresh herbs.
• Mash the garlic and salt to a paste with the side of a chef's knife. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, parsley, chives, scallion, vinegar and pepper to taste. If the sauce is very thick, thin the dressing with a couple tablespoons more of the buttermilk. Use immediately or store covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup blue cheese, half and half, sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and salt, until smooth. Gently stir in the remaining 1/4 cup blue cheese and season with pepper to taste. Use now or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make a paste with the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt by crushing them with the side of a chef's knife. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic, mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, onion, relish and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SALAD

Steps:

• In small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Cut 2 of the pears ito 1/2" pieces. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and softened. Recipe can be made to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Place cooked pears in center of 8 salad plates. In large bowl, toss salad mix with vinaigrette. Place on top of pears; sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Slice remaining 2 pears; arrange over greeens.

NORTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine mayonnaise, ginger and salt.
• Stir in remaining ingredients (except walnuts).
• Cover and chill.
• Serve and sprinkle with walnuts.

NORTHWEST JELLO SALAD

Steps:

• Layer 1: Boil water- remove from heat.
• Dissolve gelatin in water.
• Stir in raspberries.
• Pour into cold gelatin mold- I use a bundt style pan.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Layer 2: Over med.
• heat, stir half and half and sugar, until sugar is dissolved and liquid is heated (about half way to boiling) Remove from heat.
• Soften unflavored gelatin in cold water.
• Stir softened geletin into warm cream mixture, until gelatin dissolves.
• Add sour cream and vanilla, stir to blend, cool thoroughly at room temperature.
• Pour thoroughly cooled mixture over first layer and refrigerate until firm.
• Layer 3: Drain blueberries, reserving 3/4 cup of the juice, set aside.
• Dissolve gelatin in hot water.
• Add blueberries and 3/4 cup reserved juice.
• Cool mixture thoroughly at room temperature.
• Pour over chilled layers.
• Refrigerate until firm.