This is my version of a beautiful brunch salad that we prepared in a cooking class. It’s hearty enough to be served as a meal. What I really like about it is that it gives you so many wonderful flavours and textures while still be very well balanced salad. Sourness from the cherries, savoury peppery tastes from the arugula, creaminess from the cheese, and meatiness and sweetness from the walnuts. It’s possible to prep the walnuts and vinaigrette a day before so that you spend less time in the kitchen. This scaled recipe serves 4.
Pinot Grigio Vinaigrette
1 shallot minced
1/4 cup pinot grigio
1 cup olive oil. Use a high quality extra virgin.
10 strands of thyme
8 strands fresh oregano
2 tbsp. honey
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
dash of ground pepper
Directions
Finely chop the herbs and add to a bowl and set aside. Place shallots, honey, vinegar and run on medium speed of blender*, slowly add olive oil. (If you add the oil to fast it will not blend properly). Dressing should begin to emulsify.
10 oz. walnuts. Preferably black.
Simple syrup. – To make this: Heat 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar on medium for 10 minutes and cool. Do not boil as there is no need to reduce. You can refrigerate the extra and use it for sweetening iced tea and coffee.
1/8 Cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Blanch walnuts in salted water for 1 minutes. Skim film from top. Drain and place in a bowl.
Add simple syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt and mix lightly.
Place in oven for 18 minutes.
Remove and set aside to cool.
Arugula (I also like arugula/spinach mix. Spinach is sweeter
1/4 cup stilton blue cheese. Do not use gargonzola as it too bitter.
2oz. dried cherries (preferably tart). Can substitute cranberries, which are easier to find and more economical
Directions for salad.
Lightly toss 1 tub of arugula with champagne vinaigrette. Do not bruise the greens. This will cause the oil to enter them; this is not appetizing.
Add blue cheese, cherries, and candied walnuts.
Plate immediately using tongs.
* Instead of blender you can use a wire whisk if you want a workout
