Sara Moulton's Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Salads
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 6
 

Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        ***PRALINE***
     1/3  cup           pecans -- chopped fine
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
     1/8  teaspoon      cayenne -- or to taste
   3      tablespoons   sugar
                        ***DRESSING***
   1      teaspoon      dijon mustard
     1/4  cup           sherry wine vinegar
     3/4  cup           extra-virgin olive oil
                        ***SALAD***
   6      cups          washed and spun dry arugula
     1/4  pound         aged goat cheese -- coarsely grated
     1/3  cup           dried cranberries
 

Preparation:

To make the praline: In a bowl stir together pecans, salt, and cayenne. In a dry, small heavy skillet or saucepan cook sugar over moderate heat, stirring with a fork, until melted. Cook, without stirring or swirling the skillet or pan, until a golden caramel. Add pecan mixture and stir to coat nuts with caramel. Spoon praline onto a sheet of foil and cool. Transfer praline to a cutting board and chop fine. To make the dressing: In a bowl whisk together mustard, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Slowly whisk in the oil in a stream. To make the salad: In a large bowl, toss arugula, goat cheese, cranberries, praline and enough of the dressing to just coat the leaves.