Sunday, December 7, 2014

Holiday Brussels Sprout Salad


shaved BRUSSELS SPROUT HOLIDAY salad 
pomegranate // walnut // farmer's cheese // maple-mustard vinaigrette
Two weeks ago , Garrett and I celebrated our nine-year anniversary in the same fashion as the last six years, by going to Le Bouchon, my favorite French Bistro.  I absolutely love the atmosphere of the place, as it generally feels more French than most joints in France.  Meaning you're rubbing up against strangers and may at any moment cause the waiters to drop their trays on the parties packed between tables waiting for their own.  Generally we order the same staples every time: onion soup and cassoulet along with whatever rotating appetizers and salads look good.  We opted for the automne salad this time, and it was good enough to try and replicate at home.

The menu described it as "shaved brussels sprouts, fromage blanc, pomegranate, lemon-honey vinaigrette," but there were definitely some mystery ingredients in this hearty starter.  Positively identifying both mint and walnuts, I also had a hunch the dressing included mustard...but I guess I'll never know.  What I do know is that my homemade version is not exact, but still delicious.  For one, I was out of honey and found maple syrup not only a tasty, but festive substitution for the holidays.  Second, I had never encountered the type of "fromage blanc" nestled underneath the salad in any grocery, so went with the most mild and creamy cheese I could find, Lifeway Old Fashioned Probiotic Farmer Cheese.  I am now completely obsessed with this farmer's cheese and love how it pairs so nicely with sweet honeys and jams (I spread it on my English Muffins with fig-orange jam every morning).  It adds such a nice balance to this salad, as the mild richness counters the sweetness of the dressing and tang of the pomegranate.

In both its looks and taste, this salad would be wonderful for a holiday meal.  Since I recommend dressing the salad ahead of time and letting the flavors mingle for hours, it would be easy to prepare and serve to guests.  Dressed (and it should be well-dressed), it is even delicious and crisp after an overnight in the fridge.  



Salad Ingredients (serves 4-5):
  • 1 lb. (~ 4 cups) thinly sliced brussels sprouts
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
  • seeds of 1 medium pomegranate
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup creamy farmers' cheese (or labneh)
  • salt and pepper to season

Dressing Ingredients:
  • juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 tbsp. whole grain mustard
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp. of salt 
Process:
  1. Remove the bottoms of the brussels sprouts, then using a mandoline, processor, or good knife, thinly slice them.
  2. For a trick on how to remove the seeds from a whole pomegranate, halve the fruit and while submerged in a bowl of water, separate the seeds from the membrane.  Scoop the pieces of membrane from the water and drain the seeds.
  3. Toss the sliced brussels sprouts in a large bowl with the pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, and walnuts.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and toss with the salad.  Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve at room temperature with a heaping tablespoon of farmers' cheese on the side, or underneath.
 

13 comments:

  1. Call Girls Services is now at your doorsteps book a call girl now and make her cum tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Are u searching for a female escort who gives u physical happiness choose South Ex Delhi Escorts to provide u no 1 call girls and women they give you mental happiness also lust girls69 dating chat etc

    ReplyDelete
  3. If you want full justification at night time select Lajpat Nagar Escorts this is the best solution for all kind of your need lust girls69 we offering a variety of girls and women choose and enjoy with them more information go to the website,

    ReplyDelete
  4. Find the best partner for all kind of your night desire to choose South Ex Escorts these girls are interested in doing some fun with you and will ensure that you have complete fun lust girls69, more visit the website,

    ReplyDelete
  5. Delicious Fruits & Vegetables

    Find recipes for all kinds of fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, apples, Spring onions, strawberries, zucchini...we have it all! Mushrooms, beans, and peas, too.

    to get more -https://www.leninfresh.com/product-category/fruits-and-vegetables/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ӏ’lⅼ love this blog personally and I recⲟmmended it to my friends.
    I’m sure they’ll be benefited from tһis site.
    섯다

    ReplyDelete
  7. The new report by Expert Market Research titled, ‘Global Electrosurgery Market Size, Share, Price, Trends, Growth, Report and Forecast 2022-2027’, gives an in-depth analysis of the global Electrosurgery Market, assessing the market based on its segments like products, surgery types, and major regions. The report tracks the latest trends in the industry and studies their impact on the overall market. The electrosurgery industry is being driven by the growing cases of cardiovascular, neurological, urological, and oncological disorders. As electrosurgery enables precise cuts with limited blood loss, it is increasingly preferred in general surgery, neurological surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and urological surgery, among others. The major players in the market are Medtronic Plc, Olympus Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Conmed Corporation, Apyx Medical Corporation, and BOWA-electronic GmbH & Co. KG, among others.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really love your site.. 토토사이트 Pleasant colors & theme.
    Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back
    as I'm planning to create my own personal blog and would like to know where you got this from or what the theme is named.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's always helpful to read through content from 스포츠중계

    other authors and practice something from other sites.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Brass contains of copper & zinc. It is the most widely used alloy known for its aesthetic attributes and bright gold appearance.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Which material is the best conductor ? The thermal conductivity of copper and other materials that exist naturally exude great electrical and heat transmission.

    ReplyDelete