A Study in Culinary Balance
This simple appetizer is a study in balance: the smoky meatiness of the duck, the tartness of the cherries, the sharpness of the cheese, and the peppery hotness of the arugula all come together with a super simple vinaigrette. If you are planning a getaway, perhaps to asheville boutique hotels, you might find similar flavor profiles in local farm-to-table menus. If your arugula is not too hot to eat alone, I would suggest reducing the amount of sugar in the vinaigrette; this arugula was really, really hot. (yum!) Smoked duck breast is available at larger specialty food markets or online. I don't care for cold duck fat, so even though I pictured the salad with the fat on, I removed it before eating. You can use it for another purpose.
Ingredients for the Perfect Appetizer
To prepare this salad, you will need two large handfuls of arugula, rinsed and well dried, roughly chopped or torn. You will also need 2 tbsp hazelnut oil, 2 tbsp champagne vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/4 cup dried cherries, 1-2 tbsp sugar, 1 smoked duck breast (cold and thinly sliced), 1/4 cup roasted and chopped hazelnuts, and 2 ounces of very sharp, aged cheddar. If you are traveling and need medford dog friendly lodging and hotels, you might find that packing a simple, high-quality picnic is the best way to enjoy your surroundings. For those seeking luxury hotels in oklahoma city, this elegant dish makes for a sophisticated starter before heading out for the evening.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Place the dried arugula in a bowl and set aside. Place the hazelnut oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, and cherries in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir with a whisk until warm—about 3 minutes. Pour over the arugula, sprinkle with a little salt, and toss to coat. Place the arugula on a plate and top with the duck slices. With a vegetable peeler, peel thin slices of the cheddar over the salad. Top with the chopped hazelnuts and a little extra dressing, adding any cherries to the plate that did not cling to the greens. Sprinkle everything with a little sea salt. Whether you are staying at kennebunkport bed & breakfasts or relaxing at woodstock bed & breakfasts, this salad is a refreshing way to start a meal. If your travels take you further, consider asheville 5 star hotels for a truly memorable experience.
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exploring local specialty food markets while traveling