Alton Brown Ma Maes Congealed Christmas Salad Food

CRANBERRY CONGEALED SALAD

Steps:

• Toast the pecans in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Once they darken a bit and smell nutty, remove to a cutting board and chop roughly once cool.
• Combine in the same saucepan: the light agave syrup, honey, cranberry juice, orange juice, candied ginger and five-spice powder. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the cranberries to the saucepan, boost the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries begin to burst open, and the mixture thickens. (I usually use the back of a wooden spoon to pop the berries against the side of the pan.)
• After 15 minutes (no more or the pectin will start to break down) remove from the heat and stir in the pecans. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
• Spoon the mixture into a 3 1/2-cup silicone mold of your choice, cover with plastic wrap and cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Place on a sheet pan before refrigerating for at least 6 hours. (Overnight would be better.)
• Turn out of mold and serve as a side or top with whipped cream and serve as dessert.

PARSLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Wash and dry the parsley. Pick the leaves, and set aside. Discard the stems.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, walnut oil, sesame oil, honey, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the parsley and sesame seeds and toss to combine. Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so that flavors meld.

WAKAME SEAWEED SALAD

Steps:

• Place the wakame in a large bowl and cover with the water, adding more if needed to keep wakame submerged. Soak until softened, about 10 minutes. Line a colander with a clean kitchen towel and have it standing by.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing. Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons of the rice wine vinegar with the soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl. Whisk constantly while drizzling in the sesame oil to form an emulsion.
• When the wakame is hydrated, drain thoroughly through the prepared colander. Gather up the sides of the towel to form a pouch, then twist the towel to wring out additional water. Dry the large bowl and return the wakame to it. Top with the dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until the seaweed is cold and the dressing has been absorbed, at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
• When ready to serve, peel and dice the avocado into small cubes measuring between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch. Toss in a small bowl with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of rice wine vinegar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Fold in the carrot and radishes, then fold this mixture gently into the wakame and serve.

COLD-FASHIONED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cover with cold water and place over medium heat. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and remove lid. Gently simmer until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and place into an ice bath to cool. Remove skin by rubbing with a tea towel. Slice potatoes into rounds or cut into large dice and place into a zip top bag. Add the vinegar and toss to coat all of the potatoes. Place the bag into the refrigerator overnight.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, tarragon, garlic, cornichons, onions, and celery. Once evenly combined, add the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

ROASTED EDAMAME SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the edamame, corn, scallion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a 13 by 9 metal pan and stir to combine. Place on the middle rack of the oven and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the edamame begins to brown. Remove from the oven and place in the refrigerator until completely cool, approximately 30 minutes.
• Add the tomato, basil and vinegar to the edamame mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.