CRUNCHY GREEN BEAN SALAD

Crunchy Green Bean Salad image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup honey
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups pecans
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup walnut oil
2 pounds string beans, trimmed
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 heads Belgian endive, trimmed and sliced lengthwise
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place honey and cayenne in a small saucepan; heat until warm. Stir in nuts. Line a baking pan with a Silpat (a French nonstick baking mat). Pour mixture onto Silpat. Bake until dark-golden brown, about 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and salt. Slowly drizzle in walnut oil, whisking constantly, until mixture is emulsified. Set aside.
Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Bring a medium stockpot of water to a boil. Add string beans; cook just until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain immediately; immerse in ice water. Remove,pat dry; place in a large bowl. Toss with reserved dressing. Add reserved nuts, dried cranberries, and sliced endive. Add pepper to taste; toss gently. Serve immediately.