Iceberg Wedges With Grilled Bacon And Croutons Recipes

ICEBERG WEDGES WITH BACON AND BUTTERMILK DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275°F
• Prepare a bowl of ice water.
• In a medium pot of boiling water, blanch the tomatoes just until the skins loosen, about 30 seconds.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water to cool.
• Drain and peel the tomatoes, pat dry and halve crosswise.
• Arrange the tomatoes, cut side up, on a nonstick baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
• Sprinkle with the chopped thyme and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the tomatoes are very tender and slightly shrunken.
• Transfer the tomatoes to a plate and let cool.
• Meanwhile, spread the brioche cubes on a small baking sheet and toast for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
• Let the croutons cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, crème fraîche and buttermilk until smooth.
• Add the lemon juice, parsley, mint and 1 tablespoon of the chives and season with salt and pepper.
• Refrigerate until chilled.
• In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Put each iceberg wedge on a plate, add a tomato half and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Scatter the croutons and bacon on top.
• Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chives and serve, passing the buttermilk dressing at the table.

GRILLED ICEBERG WEDGES WITH BUTTERMILK-BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Light a grill and preheat for at least 10 minutes or preheat a grill pan. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp but still slightly chewy, about 5 minutes. (You could do this in a cast-iron skillet right over the grill).
• In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the sour cream, vinegar and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brush the cut sides of the iceberg wedges with oil and season with salt. Grill over moderately high heat until the edges are browned and grill marks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn to brown the other cut side, 1 to 2 minutes longer.
• Transfer the wedges to a platter and drizzle with half of the dressing. Sprinkle with the bacon and serve, passing the remaining dressing at the table.