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Spinach and Frisée Salad with Cambozola and Pear Crostini and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Joe Dokuchie,
Tavern In The Park

Chef Joe substituted watermelon for the usual strawberries in this summer salad.

Ingredients
Spiced cashews
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp salt
5 cups unsalted cashews

Crostini
1 baguette
4 slices (4 oz) cambozola
4 slices poached pear

Roasted shallot and poppy seed vinaigrette
20 shallots, covered with herb oil
1 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp rosemary
2 tsp thyme
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 1/2 cups olive oil

Spinach salad
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 cup frisée
1 cup cubed watermelon

Method
Spiced cashews

  1. Mix all ingredients and bake for 10 minutes at 300˚F on a sheet pan lined with parchment.
  2. Turn oven down to 250˚F. Bake another 15 minutes.
  3. Turn the pan 180 degrees and bake for another 15 minutes.
  4. Cool and roughly chop.

Crostini

  1. Cut baguette into 3/4-inch slices. Toast slices in the oven until lightly browned. Spread on cambozola and slice of poached pear. Serve warm with salad.

Roasted shallot and poppy seed vinaigrette

  1. Cover shallot with oil and desired seasoning.
  2. Roast in a pie pan covered in foil for 45-60 minutes until soft at 320˚F.
  3. Once cool, mince shallot and combine with sherry vinegar. Whisk in remaining ingredients.

Spinach salad

  1. Dress greens with roasted shallot vinaigrette. Top with watermelon and spiced cashews.

Yield 4 servings