Salad with Blue Cheese, Roasted Pears, Beets and Endive
New York Times
February 11, 2001
Yield: 4 first-course servings

2 heads endive, split and cut into 1-inch slices
3 pears, cut into ½-inch dice
4 medium beets, cut into ½-inch dice
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1½ tsp. kosher salt
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. walnut oil
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
10 cups baby spinach leaves
6 oz. blue goat cheese, or other mild blue cheese

Preheat the oven to 375o. Toss the endive, pears and beets separately with 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil and half a tsp. salt and transfer to a small roasting pan. Roast, shaking the pan frequently, until each is soft and browned, about 20 minutes for the endive and 30 to 35 minutes for the pears and beets. Remove from the oven and set aside. Meanwhile, in the container of a blender, combine the garlic, olive and walnut oil, vinegar, a few grinds pepper and the remaining salt and process until smooth. Place the spinach in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Divide the spinach between 4 plates and top each plate with a quarter of the roasted pears and vegetables. (They may be warm or at room temperature.) Divide the cheese between the plates and serve.


Fennel, Celery, and Parsley Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Lee Bailey's Cooking for Friends

Yield: serves 6

2¼ cups thinly sliced fennel
2¼ cups thinly sliced celery
1¼ cups minced fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
¾ tsp. salt, or to taste
6 Tbsp. olive oil
Shaved Parmesan cheese to taste
Black pepper to taste

Toss the fennel, celery and parsley together. Combine the vinegar, mustard and salt in a small bowl and whisk together. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Add 3 tablespoons to the salad and toss, using more if necessary. Place on individual serving plates and top with shaved Parmesan and a good grind of black pepper.
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