Hearts Of Romaine With Roquefort And Toasted Pecans Recipes

ROMAINE AND ROASTED-BEET SALAD WITH CREAMY ROQUEFORT DRESSING

Steps:

• Make dressing:
• Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Fold in Roquefort cheese and cream. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Make salad:
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets tightly in foil. Bake until tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool beets; peel and cut each into wedges.
• Arrange 2 lettuce quarters crosswise on each of 6 large plates. Surround lettuce on each plate with beet wedges. Top with some onion slices and watercress sprigs. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with walnuts and serve.

GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Brush each romaine lettuce half with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
• Cook romaine hearts, cut-side down, on the preheated grill until the cut-side is slightly caramelized but the inside is still cool and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer lettuce, cut-side up, to a platter. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over lettuce and drizzle balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil over the top.

HEARTS OF ROMAINE WITH ROQUEFORT & TOASTED PECANS

Steps:

• 1. Blend 6 ounces cheese, mayonnaise, and yogurt in processor. Add 1/4 cup water and hot pepper sauce; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Whisk before using.)
• 2. Arrange lettuce on large platter. Drizzle dressing over lettuce. Sprinkle with pecans and remaining cheese and serve.

THE BRUTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place Dijon mustard, vegetable oil, seasoned rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and cayenne into a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended, about a minute. Transfer to an easy-to-pour container.
• Place pecans in a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Cook and stir until pecans smell toasty and have darkened slightly, 1 or 2 minutes. Sprinkle with kosher salt and sugar. Cook and stir another minute; remove from heat. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Place romaine pieces into a large bowl. Add apple slices, dill, tarragon, and a handful of pecans, reserving some for garnish. Grate Cheddar lightly onto salad, reserving some for garnish. Drizzle in some dressing and toss. Taste and add more salt or dressing if desired. You make not need all of the dressing.
• Garnish with a few toasted pecans and some grated Cheddar cheese.