Smoked Turkey Pecan And Blue Cheese Salad Recipes

SMOKED TURKEY AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Add enough dressing to season to taste. Season generously with pepper. Toss well and serve.
• Whisk all ingredients in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt.
• Makes about 1/2 cup.

SMOKED TURKEY SALAD

Steps:

• Remove the skins from the Smoked Turkey Legs, pull off the meat and chop into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Place the turkey, celery, apple, pecans, vinegar, parsley, black pepper and mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine and serve.
• Place the water, kosher salt and brown sugar in an 8-quart plastic container and stir until fully dissolved. Add the ice before submerging the turkey legs in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or up to 12 hours.
• Set up your favorite smoker and add a handful of hardwood chunks. If you have heat control, set it to 150 to 170 degrees F and allow the wood to smoke for approximately 30 minutes.
• While the smoker is heating, drain the legs, pat them dry and arrange them on a rack. Smoke the legs on the rack for 3 hours, rotating the legs halfway through.
• Heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Make 2 pouches out of double-layered heavy-duty tin foil, adding 3 legs and 1/2 cup of chicken stock to each pouch. Braise the legs in their pouches for 1 hour, then carefully drain and reserve the jus.
• Defat the jus, remove the skins and serve the legs alongside the smoky jus.

ROMAINE SALAD WITH PEAR, SMOKED BLUE CHEESE, AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Cook the sugar and pecans in a small skillet over medium, 5 to 7 minutes or until the sugar has caramelized. Spread the pecans in a single layer on lightly greased wax paper on a large baking sheet. Let them cool completely and then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Layer the lettuce, pears, cheese, avocado, and green onions on a large serving platter. Drizzle with the desired amount of dressing, and top with the pecans.

SMOKED TURKEY, PECAN, AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• In a blender, purée oil, vinegar, honey, onion, and tabasco. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Rinse and dry greens in salad spinner. Greens have to be as dry as possible for dressing to adhere. In a large bowl, combine greens and endive and toss with enough dressing to coat. Add remaining ingredients and drizzle with more dressing. Toss gently. May be made up to 4 hours ahead.