warm and wonderful...

 

Crispy Goat Cheese-Topped Arugula Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Dip a knife in hot water to get clean slices of cheese.

4 (4-oz.) goat cheese logs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 egg whites

1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 (5-oz.) containers baby arugula

4 large navel oranges, peeled and sectioned

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1. Cut each goat cheese log into 6 (1/2-inch) slices. Combine flour and pepper in a shallow dish. Whisk together egg whites and 2 Tbsp. water in another shallow dish. Place panko in a third shallow dish. Dredge goat cheese in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, and dredge in panko. Arrange goat cheese in a single layer in an aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan; cover and chill 30 minutes to 4 hours.

2. Cook half of goat cheese rounds in 2 Tbsp. hot olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining olive oil and goat cheese rounds.

3. Divide arugula and orange sections among 8 plates; drizzle with Pomegranate Vinaigrette. Top each salad with 3 goat cheese rounds.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice

1/3 cup olive oil

5 teaspoons honey

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Bring pomegranate juice to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup. Transfer to a small bowl. Cool completely (about 30 minutes). Whisk in olive oil, honey, vinegar, mustard, pepper, and salt.