I am anxious to share with you my aunt Marcy’s blueberry muffins, my mother’s rosemary shortbread and my stepfather’s glug — a high-octane, blood-warming winter punch. Those treats are going to have to wait, however. My eyes and mind need a break from the recent holiday indulgences.
And so today, I have only two things to share with you: a yummy yummy salad and a favorite vinaigrette.
Several weeks ago, a friend and I dined at Froma on Melrose, an LA cheese-, charcuterie-, and wine shop, where I ordered the Jamón Serrano salad, a combination of salty ham, bitter endive, and sweet pear, topped with Manchego cheese and drizzled with chestnut honey. What arrived at the table — essentially a platter of meat topped with a sprinkling of endive — was entirely different than what I envisioned but entirely enjoyed that evening. With my side of sliced baguette, I assembled mini open-faced sandwiches, which, along with a glass of red wine, made for a delectable dinner.
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Tarragon-Shallot Vinaigrette
Yield = ½ cup (Make a double batch — It’s so nice to have on hand.)
4 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-3 tablespoons tarragon, finely chopped
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallots, mustard, sugar and salt. Let mixture macerate for 20 minutes. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified. Stir in tarragon. Taste, add more salt and pepper if necessary. Set aside.
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Comments ( 39 )
Bellini Valli added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 4:40 amThere are some perfect mariages in flavour here Alexandra. Your photo of the pears looked like a still life painting:D
Simona added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 5:00 amGreat idea! I made it in an Italian way (that’s where I live)with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Radicchio Tardivo as salad and Culatello ham; I used extra virgin olive oil from Liguria and at the ned I added some drops of Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena: simply delicious!
Simona
VeggieGirl added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 6:08 amI loooove pears!!
Happy New Year!!
Manggy added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 7:14 amOoh, lovely pics Ali! Tarragon has become more and more available in Manila but I have to confess I don’t really know what it tastes like. This looks like a great way to begin
Sara added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 7:15 amThis looks delicious. I love tarragon, I think it’s an under utilized herb.
The Blonde Duck added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 8:02 amIt sounds delicious! When I read the title I began drooling!
ttfn300 added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 8:53 ami’ve been on a pear kick lately, so this looks lovely!! rosemary shortbread? can’t wait
did you catch the pierogi recipe? it’s up!
Clumbsy Cookie added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 9:38 amWhat a colorful and fun salad!!! And that vinagrette sounds just delish!
Rosa's Yummy Yums added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 10:11 amOMG, this salad is so scrumptious looking! A yummy creation! I’m drooling…
Cheers,
Rosa
Stephanie added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 11:09 amThis was so good on NYE!!! We miss you tons already!
Karen added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 11:24 amThe flavors here sound just wonderful! What a delicious light meal that would make. Love your photos, too!
Apples and Butter added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 11:57 amthat salad sounds amazing! Did you use a mandolin on the pears or are your knife skills just that good
Jes added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 5:38 pmGreat pics, Ali. Your version looks even better than what they served at Froma. Can’t wait to try your vinaigrette!
Maria added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 5:49 pmSo elegant and tasty looking! Your photos always amaze me!
katie added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 8:49 pmWhat an amazing looking salad! I have been on a huge salad kick lately but need some new ideas, thanks.
Gigi added these pithy words on Jan 05 09 at 11:20 pmOh wow does this salad look delicious! I love all the ingredients in the salad. Yum.
mikky added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 1:02 amlooks so good…. happy new year!!!
LVH added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 10:36 amGlögg is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and one whose recipe is hotly debated amongst the various family members, all of whom have a different variation of the two main family recipies. So I’d be very interested in seeing what your recipe involves.
That said, I think I’ve reached the point of saturation. A nice salad sounds like the perfect remedy for all of the holiday excess and this one looks delicious. Thanks for the idea!
RebeccaC added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 10:53 amYum. This sounds divine and after all the heavy holiday food…seems like a lighter bite too.
Rena added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 1:53 pmSounds delicious! I’m hearing more and more about Manchego cheese lately. I don’t think I’ve ever had it. Something new to look forward to. Happy New Year Ali!
Rena added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 1:55 pmI like your new header, too
Maris added these pithy words on Jan 06 09 at 8:44 pmThis sounds like such a great salad. I love how you had something you liked out and recreated it at home – that’s always so much fun!
Bunny added these pithy words on Jan 07 09 at 12:42 pmThis is so pretty Alexandra, you’ve really captured it with your picture, I bet this is wonderful!
Foodycat added these pithy words on Jan 07 09 at 1:50 pmYour shaved pears are just the prettiest things! How did you get such gorgeous pictures before they oxidised?
noble pig added these pithy words on Jan 07 09 at 5:42 pmIt looks delicious! Wow, my mouth is watering for a healthy meal! Just fantastic!
Jacque added these pithy words on Jan 07 09 at 8:47 pmMmmm, you make an art out of assembling a salad. Seriously. And a yummy salad at that!
It sounds fantastic and looks lovely.
Cathy added these pithy words on Jan 08 09 at 6:59 amThis month all I’m focusing on is healthy salads and light soups. The flavors and textures in this recipe are enough to make me drool.
Love the combination of salty and sweet.
Cookie baker Lynn added these pithy words on Jan 08 09 at 3:53 pmMmmm, that looks like a perfect antidote to holiday excess. Delightful combination of flavors!
blueberryhil added these pithy words on Jan 08 09 at 9:11 pmThat sounds delicious! And it sounds like I have a new local restaurant to try out.
The Blonde Duck added these pithy words on Jan 09 09 at 4:19 amThank you so much for ordering my book! You don’t know how happy you’ve made me! I hope you enjoy it (bites nails.)
RecipeGirl added these pithy words on Jan 14 09 at 7:37 amManchego is wonderful. Your pictures are magazine worthy, you know! Hope you had great holidays… and will post again sometime soon!
Weight Loss added these pithy words on Jan 14 09 at 11:32 amHi I found this cool recipe for Artichoke-scrambled Eggs Benedict. Has anyone ever tried it? Sounds good and I hope it is. Here is the link with the recipe and article. nice site to whoever created it.
Emily added these pithy words on Jan 14 09 at 3:22 pmIs it just me or is this the best salad EVER! HOLY COW. Yum.
Anonymous added these pithy words on Jan 17 09 at 8:36 amThis combination sounds great, but I think that you should try using jamón ibérico instead of jamon serrano.
It tastes so good, ummmmmmmmmmmmm.
Pat
Alice Q. Foodie added these pithy words on Jan 18 09 at 2:17 pmHi Alexandra! I am wondering if you’d be willing to let us use these recipes and maybe a photo or two for an Edible San Diego piece on food blogs? Let me know – I’m submitting it today or tomorrow!
LVH added these pithy words on Jan 20 09 at 1:04 pmCoincidentally, I have a block of Manchego left over from a tapas party last weekend. Standing in line to order a sandwich at my favorite deli in Little Italy, staring at the prosciutto, it occurred to me I could actually try this salad, as prescribed.
I loved it. This combination was delightful, and the thin slices of cheese really brought out its flavor.
Thank you!
duodishes added these pithy words on Jan 21 09 at 2:40 pmYou’ve come up with our perfect panini too–proscuitto and manchego!
we are never full added these pithy words on Jan 24 09 at 5:23 pmoh wow. OH. WOW.
speechless.
Sophie added these pithy words on Feb 13 09 at 3:13 amI made this salad & the dressing and it is something so easy with good eh, excellent ingredients & I abolutely love Manchego cheese,,… Viva España !
