GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH PANCETTA, DRIED CHERRY AND PORT DRESSING

Goat Cheese Salad with Pancetta, Dried Cherry and Port Dressing image

Yield Makes 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 cups dried tart cherries
1/2 cup tawny Port
5 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
2 shallots, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 5.5-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 5-ounce bag mixed salad greens
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

Combine cherries and Port in heavy small saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; let stand until cherries swell, about 15 minutes. Sauté pancetta in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Add shallots and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add oil, then vinegar and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves. Stir in cherry mixture. Season with salt and pepper. (Dressing can be made 2 hours ahead. Set aside in skillet at room temperature.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place goat cheese slices on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until warm, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine salad greens and pine nuts in bowl. Rewarm dressing and pour over salad; toss to blend. Top with warm goat cheese and serve.