ARUGULA WITH FRIED GOAT CHEESE & CANDIED PECANS

By á-161741

Ingredients

• For the classic vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper (optional)
• For the Salad
• 1/4 lb. fresh goat cheese
• 1/2 cup dried medium-fine bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 4 cups arugula leaves, coarse stems trimmed, rinsed and drained well
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• For the Pecans
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup and a pinch brown sugar

Preparation

Step 1

For the Salad To make the vinaigrette, in a bowl, combine the olive oil and vinegar and gently whisk or mix with a fork. Add the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Set aside. Shape the cheese into 4 equal rounds, each 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. If using a log-shaped cheese, cut it into 4 equal slices, each 3/4 inch thick. In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, salt, pepper and thyme. Spread the mixture on a piece of waxed paper. Working with 1 round of cheese at a time, press both sides into the mixture to coat it. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Divide the salad among individual salad plates. Set aside. In a small fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cheese rounds and cook until lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the rounds over and cook until the cheese begins to melt and spread slightly, about 1 minute more. Remove the pan from the heat. Using a spatula, quickly transfer each browned cheese round to a salad, gently sliding it on top. Serve immediately. For the Pecans 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 3. In a big bowl, beat together the egg whites and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Pour in the pecans and then stir until the nuts are completely coated. 4. Transfer the pecans in a single, even layer to the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.