Summer Salad of San Francisco

Hi guys

Once again I would like to apologize for the delay in posts. For some reason I cannot get into the rhythm of posting like I did at the beginning of the summer. I just want you all to know I'm doing my best, and that today I've got another post. For some time now I've been thinking about doing more then just blogging about food. I put this thought into action and like millions of people across the world made a Youtube channel. It's just one more way to share my passion with others. I decided to make  Farmers Markets Greens with Goat Cheese. I got the recipe from a cookbook called Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World:San Francisco:Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World. It's got a variety of awesome recipes and can be found at http://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sonoma-Foods-World-Francisco-Celebrating/dp/0848728521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341837715&sr=8-1&keywords=william+sonoma+san+francisco.  Now let me tell you how to make this awesome appetizer.

Farmers Market Greens with Goat Cheese Toasts (makes 4 appetizers)
For the dressing
1 shallot, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1tbsp white wine vinegar
pinch of sea salt

*whisk all ingredients in small bowl
*Set aside in fridge for 30 minutes for flavors to develop

For the Toasts
1 baguette, cut into 12 thin slices
1/4 C olive oil (for baguette)
1/4 lb goat cheese
1tsp thyme
1tsp olive oil (for cheese)

*Brush each side of the baguette slice with olive oil
*Place baguettes on greased baking sheet and bake at 425 for 6-8 minutes until golden brown
*Let cool
*Lower oven to 350
*Place goat cheese on small, greased baking cheese. Top with thyme & olive oil. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes until softened.

Putting it all together:
6 oz salad greens
1 vine ripen tomato

*Place 6 oz salad greens in large bowl
*Toss dressing with greens
*Place salad mixture on plate
*Top baguettes with goat cheese spread (3 toasts per person)
*Add the goat cheese toasts on top of salad
*Garnish with 2 slices fresh cut tomatoes
*ENJOY

                                                   Not too shabby right?

Thoughts on the recipe: If a dish has a goat cheese, it's pretty easy for it to win me over. I really love this dish because it's simple yet has light summertime flavors. The dressing with that little bit of white wine vinegar coats the herbs throughout. The tomatoes add a nice juiciness to the dish since their fresh. And the goat cheese toasts add a bit of heartiness to the salad. The combination of flavors throughout this recipe is like a well organized symphony, each one complimenting the other. Check out this salad and let me know what you think.

AND FINALLY


If you would like to see this dish in a demo check out my NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL at youtube.com/michaeltedonecooking  . I appreciate all the support and I'll blog soon!