Grilled Hearts Of Romaine With Blue Cheese Vinaigrette And Pickled Onions Recipes

GRILLED ROMAINE WITH BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine mayonnaise, blue cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, shallot, and garlic in a medium bowl. Mix well, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
• When ready to prepare the salad, preheat an outdoor grill for medium-low heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute bacon, turning as needed, until evenly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Dice cooled bacon and set aside.
• Lightly brush romaine on all sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Using a pair of tongs, place romaine, cut-sides down, on the preheated grill. Cook until slightly caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes; it should still be slightly raw and crunchy in the center. Remove to a clean platter and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Place each romaine half on a serving plate. Drizzle with dressing and top with tomato and diced bacon.

SAM'S GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium.
• Slice a thin 1/16 off the core end of the head, just to clean it up. Don't cut off too much. You want the heart to hold together.
• Cut lengthways down the middle of romaine making two equal halves.
• Brush all of each half with olive oil, and place cut side down on grill.
• Grill only a couple of minutes, just until leaves begin to wilt. Turn and repeat.
• Remove from grill and place cut side up on plate.
• Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar on each half, then shred cheese on top.
• Crumble bacon over and top with a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
• Double or triple as needed for more servings.
• See Sam make this recipe with his new "Special Angel" at thecookingguy.com. Click on "video" at the bottom of his home page.