AUTUMN FRUIT AND FRISEE SALAD WITH PANETTONE CROUTONS

Autumn Fruit and Frisee Salad with Panettone Croutons image

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup diced Panettone (1/2-inch dice)
2 tablespoons dried cherries
2 tablespoons diced dried apricots (1/4-inch dice)
2 tablespoons golden raisins
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
4 to 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large pear, peeled, cored and cut into slivers about 1/4-inch by 1 1/2-inches
1/4 large fennel bulb, about 3-ounces cut into slivers the same size as the pear
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cups roughly torn frisee or curly endive

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Scatter the panettone cubes on a baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until crisp and brown, about 1 hour. Be careful that they do not burn. Set aside. Put the cherries, apricots, and raisins in a medium bowl. Measure the honey and vinegar into a small pan or microwave safe bowl. Heat together just until warm. Whisk in 4 tablespoons olive oil and taste for balance. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, if necessary. Pour over the dried fruits. Add the pear, fennel, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the fruits and dressing over the greens in a salad bowl and toss well. Add the croutons and toss again. Serve immediately.