TOASTED HAZELNUT SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND HAZELNUT VINAIGRETTE

Toasted Hazelnut Salad with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnut Vinaigrette image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

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3 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
2 large shallots, chopped fine (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (about 2 ounces)
4 tablespoons Sherry vinegar, or to taste
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup hazelnuts (about 2 ounces), toasted lightly and skinned
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon hazelnut oil if desired
3 cups baby Bibb lettuce (about 3 medium heads)
2 cups frisée (about 2 ounces)
2 cups baby spinach or tatsoi (thick, spoon shaped Asian greens), about 2 ounces

Steps:

In a small saucepan heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook shallots, stirring, until golden brown. Stir in cranberries, 3 tablespoons vinegar, water, and sugar and simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, about 4 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl and cool to room temperature.
In a small skillet heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook hazelnuts with salt and pepper to taste, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer nuts to a plate and cool.
In a small bowl whisk together mustard and remaining tablespoon vinegar with salt and pepper to taste. In a stream whisk in hazelnut oil and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified.
In a large bowl toss greens with just enough dressing to coat and divide among 6 plates. Sprinkle salads with cranberry mixture and hazelnuts. Serve salad with soup as a main course or align as a first course.