Bacon Vinaigrette With Grilled Radicchio Food

BACON-CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, orange juice, sugar, lime juice and a generous pinch of salt together in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the bacon fat, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a few grinds pepper.

PERFECTLY GRILLED RADICCHIO

Steps:

• Cut the radicchio in quarters lengthwise, being sure to keep some of the stem attached to each quarter. Trim off any dark bits of stem. Submerge the radicchio quarters in ice water for 1 hour to remove some bitterness. Put a plate on top of the radicchio to keep them under water.
• In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the mozzarella. Mix well.
• Prepare a hot fire in your grill, or heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Drain the radicchio and place them on paper towels to absorb remaining water. Open up the leaves and spoon the olive oil mixture inside. Place the radicchio quarters on a baking sheet and pour the remaining marinade mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Grill the radicchio until browned on the outside but still raw in the center, 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Be careful, as the oil mixture may flame up.
• When the radicchio begins to brown, pull from the grill, open up a section of each portion and place a slice of mozzarella inside. Place quarters back onto the sheet pan and place the pan directly on the grill for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Drizzle any leftover dressing over the top of the grilled radicchio and serve warm.
• If making radicchio in advance: Before the party, have the radicchio drained and marinated in the vinaigrette in the refrigerator.

GRILLED RADICCHIO

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high.
• Season the radicchio with the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Place the radicchio on the grill for about a minute on each side, watching it carefully, as it can burn very easily. Drizzle the radicchio with olive oil. Serve hot.

BACON-BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels (reserve as garnish for Spinach Salad with Shrimp and Fennel). Remove skillet from heat. Reserve 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet; mix in oil. Whisk vinegar, shallots, garlic and brown sugar in small bowl. Add to drippings in skillet. Stir over medium-low heat just until warm. Season with salt and pepper. Use warm.

WARM BACON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp; remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 T drippings in skillet.
• Cook shallots and garlic in hot drippings for 3 minutes, or until tender. Add brown sugar and cook stirring constantly for one minute or until sugar is dissolved.
• Process garlic mixture, orange juice, and remaining ingredients in blender until combined.
• FYI the cooked bacon is not actually used in this recipe, but you can top your salad with it if desired.