Curly Endive Salad with Cranberry-Bacon Vinaigrette and Blue Cheese Pastries
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17 1/4-ounce package), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten to blend (glaze)
- 9 smoked bacon slices, chopped
- 1/3 cup minced shallots
- 1 cup ruby Port
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 6 heaping tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
- 9 cups bite-size curly endive
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Unfold pastry onto work service.
- Using 2-inch- diameter scalloped cookie cutter, cut out 12 rounds.
- Using 1-inch-diameter cookie cutter, cut out centers of 6 pastry rounds.
- Discard centers.
- Pierce 2-inch rounds all over with fork.
- Brush edges with egg glaze.
- Top with pastry rings, pressing gently.
- Transfer to large baking sheet.
- Bake until puffed and golden, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to rack; cool.
- Pull out uncooked portion from centers of pastries and discard.
- (Can be made 8 hours ahead.
- Store airtight at room temperature.)
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- Cook bacon in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until crisp.
- Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels.
- Pour 3 tablespoons bacon drippings into small bowl.
- Discard all but 1 teaspoon of remaining drippings from skillet.
- Add shallots to drippings in skillet; saute over medium-high heat until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add Port and cranberries and bring to boil, scraping any browned bits.
- Boil until cranberries are soft and liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
- Add reserved 3 tablespoons bacon drippings and stir just until warm.
- Pour vinegar into small bowl.
- Gradually whisk in Port mixture.
- Meanwhile, place pastries on baking sheet.
- Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon cheese into center of each.
- Bake until cheese is soft, about 6 minutes.
- Place endive in large bowl.
- Pour warm dressing over and toss.
- Divide greens among 6 plates.
- Sprinkle with bacon.
- Top each with 1 pastry and serve.
pastry, egg, bacon, shallots, ruby port, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, blue cheese, bitesize curly
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/curly-endive-salad-with-cranberry-bacon-vinaigrette-and-blue-cheese-pastries-845 (may not work)