Blueberry Gorgonzola Salad
Makes 4 servings
PREPARATION
1 (5 oz) pkg mixed salad greens
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1 cup roasted, salted almonds *
3/4 cup sliced fresh chives
3/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette (recipe below)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh tarragon leaves
Toss together all ingredients in a large serving bowl.
*Glazed walnuts may be substituted.
Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons Raspberry Pepper Jam
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
PREPARATION
Whisk ingredients together. Drizzle on salad.
Boston Bibb Salad with Roasted Acorn Squash, Pecans, Blue Cheese and Warm Bacon Pepper Jam Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS
1 recipe Warm Bacon Pepper Jam Vinaigrette, recipe follows
1 large acorn squash, quartered and seeded
1 large yellow onion, peeled and both ends trimmed
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large heads Bibb lettuce
3/4 cup cooked black-eyed peas, drained
3/4 cup roasted pecan pieces
6 ounces crumbled blue cheese
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Place the acorn squash halves and onion on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and rub with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast until the squash is just tender and lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the squash to a plate to cool and return the onion to the oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the onion goes in easily, about 20 minutes longer. Remove and set aside to cool completely along with the squash. When cooled, remove the skin from the squash and cut into large dice. Cut the onion into julienne and reserve separately. Cut each head of Bibb lettuce in half and place each half, cut side up, onto a large salad or a dinner plate. Press lightly on the lettuce to flatten and open up the leaves a bit. Divide the diced squash, julienned onion, black-eyed peas, pecans, and blue cheese evenly among the tops of the salads. Drizzle the warm vinaigrette over the tops of the salads, season lightly with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Warm Bacon Pepper Jam Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup Bacon Pepper Jam
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Creole mustard
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and heat gently until sugar is melted, about 2 minutes. Serve warm over salad.
Yield: 1 cup
