Mesclun Greens With Toasted Pecans Shaved Braised Artichokes Tossed In A Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette Recipes

SLOW-COOKER BRAISED ARTICHOKES WITH TOASTED GARLIC BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Add 1/2 cup water and the 4 peeled and smashed cloves garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
• Heat the butter and grated garlic in a medium skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and the garlic starts to sizzle and become aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the breadcrumbs and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until golden and toasted, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool. Stir in the Pecorino-Romano and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the breadcrumb mixture for garnish.
• Pull off the small, tough petals near the stems of the artichokes. Cut the stems close to the base so the artichokes will stand upright. Cut off the top inch of each artichoke. Snip off any thorny tips on the remaining petals with kitchen shears. Fan out the larger leaves with your fingers.
• Working over the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture, spoon the crumbs into the gaps of each artichoke until they're filled all the way around. Stand the artichokes up in the slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low until the stems are tender and the leaves come loose easily when pulled, about 7 hours. Being careful of the steam, transfer the artichokes to a serving platter, and sprinkle with the reserved breadcrumbs.

MIXED GREENS WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toast the pecans in a shallow pan until they begin to release fragrance, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Let cool completely.
• Combine the lettuce, mesclun, and onion in a salad bowl.
• Just before serving, pour on the dressing and toss well.
• Check to see if you need to add more dressing; you don't want to make the greens too wet.
• Serve on individual salad plates with the pecans and the cranberries sprinkled on each portion.
• To make Lemon-Soy Dressing: Place all the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
• Yield: 3/4 cup.

GREEN BEANS WITH TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecans on a rimmed baking sheet; toast until fragrant, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, set a steamer basket in a large saucepan. Fill with enough water to come just below basket; bring to a simmer. Place green beans in basket; cover, and steam until crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Transfer green beans to a serving platter; drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with pecans.

BRAISED GREENS

Steps:

• Wash the greens and remove tough stems. Cut or break greens into 2-inch lengths.
• Heat a nonstick pan over high heat; reduce heat to medium-high, add the oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the greens, and sauté for 1 minute.
• Stir in the stock, Sherry and hot pepper flakes; cover, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until greens are soft.

OLD-FASHIONED ROASTED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (105 degrees C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan.
• Combine the egg white and water in a mixing bowl; beat until fluffy. Fold in the pecans to coat evenly. Combine the sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in a shaker or cup with a lid. Dust the pecans evenly with the sugar mixture. Spread the nuts over the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven until toasted and fragrant, stirring every 15 minutes, about 1 hour. Cool on pan, and store in an airtight container.

TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
• Pour the butter into a medium bowl, and mix in the pecans. Stir until the pecans are well coated.
• Arrange coated pecans in a single layer on one or two medium baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool and store in covered containers.

TOASTED GLAZED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Whisk together egg white, syrup, oil, and salt in a small bowl. Add pecans; toss to coat. Toast on sheet, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Let cool completely.