GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH PANCETTA , DRIED CHERRY AND PORT VINAGRETTE

GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH PANCETTA , DRIED CHERRY AND PORT VINAGRETTE image

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup tawny port
5oz pancetta
2 shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tsp sugar
1 5.5oz log soft fresh goat cheese ( such as montrachet ) cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 5oz bag mixed salad greens
1/2c pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

1. Combine cherries and port in a heavy small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat, let stand until cherries swell, about 15 min. 2. Saute bacon in a heavy skillet 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 hr ahead. set aside in skillet at room temperature.) 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place goat cheese slices on rimmed baking sheet . bake until warm , about 10 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, combine salad greeens and pine nuts in bowl . Rewarm dressing and pour over salad. Toss to blend . Top with warm goat cheese. Make sure that the goat cheese looks harder in the pkg. I picked a spread and it melted in the oven.