FRISEE AUX LARDONS

Frisee aux Lardons image

Provided by Marc Murphy

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into lardons
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
4 large eggs
4 large handfuls frisee
1 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, recipe follows
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Twelve 1/2-inch-thick baguette slices, toasted
1 head garlic, cloves peeled
Olive oil, for cooking
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil or other neutral oil

Steps:

Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepot over high heat. Add the vinegar and stir to combine. Working one at a time, crack each egg into a small dish and slowly lower it into the water, sliding the egg out. Reduce the heat to maintain a light simmer and poach the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
Chop the frisee into 2-inch pieces, place in a large bowl and toss with the cooked bacon, crumbled blue cheese and vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper and toss until well combined. Divide the salad among 4 plates and gently place a poached egg in the center of each "nest" of salad. Divide the baguette slices among the plates and serve immediately.
Put the garlic cloves in a small saucepan and add enough olive oil just to cover. Cook over low heat until the garlic is soft and melting, 35 to 45 minutes, to make garlic confit.
Combine the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper with 2 tablespoons garlic confit and 2 tablespoons water in a blender and blend on medium speed until smooth. (Reserve the remaining garlic confit for another use.) With the motor running, slowly add the oil in a thin stream until it has been incorporated.
Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The vinaigrette will keep for up to 1 week.