Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        ***BASIL VINAIGRETTE***
  1                     shallot -- chopped fine
  2              large  fresh basil leaves
  2        tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
  1         tablespoon  sherry vinegar*
  5        tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
                        ***SALAD***
  1              pound  yukon gold or red potatoes -- small
  4                     shallots chopped fine -- (about 1/4 cup)
     1/4      teaspoon  fine chopped fresh thyme leaves
  1           teaspoon  fine chopped fresh tarragon leaves
  1         tablespoon  fine chopped fresh parsley leaves
     1/2           cup  niçoise or other brine-cured black olives -- pitted
  6                     metal pastry rings -- (3-inch)
  10            ounces  log soft mild goat cheese -- cut 6 pieces
  1                cup  heavy cream
  1                     fresh basil leaf
  1              large  egg yolk
  6               cups  mesclun-mixed baby greens -- (about 1/2-lb.)
  3        tablespoons  chopped fresh chervil
                        ***GARNISH***
                        fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation:

PETATOU DE CHEVRE FRAISE AU THYME ET OLIVES NICOISES Make basil vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients except oil with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in oil in a stream until emulsified. In a 3-quart saucepan cover potatoes with 2 inches water and simmer until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander and cool. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices and in a bowl toss gently with shallots, thyme, tarragon, parsley, 1/4 cup olives, and 2 tablespoons vinaigrette until combined well. Arrange pastry rings on a baking sheet. Divide potato salad among rings, layering potato slices to 1/2 inch below tops of rings, and top with goat cheese pieces, spreading cheese evenly to cover potato salad completely. Potato goat-cheese rounds may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring rounds to room temperature before proceeding. Preheat broiler. In a small saucepan simmer cream with basil leaf until reduced by about half. Whisk in yolk and salt and pepper to taste and remove pan from heat. Carefully remove rings from rounds and spread about 1 tablespoon cream mixture evenly over top of each round. Broil rounds on baking sheet 6 inches from heat until tops are golden. Toss mesclun with chervil and remaining vinaigrette and divide among 6 salad plates. Transfer warm rounds to plates with a spatula and garnish with thyme sprigs and remaining 1/4 cup olives.

Nutritional Information:

248 Calories (kcal); 27g Total Fat; (95% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; 90mg Cholesterol; 16mg Sodium