Chicken And Frisée Salad With Roasted Red Peppers Toasted Almonds And Manchego Food

CHICKEN AND FRISéE SALAD WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS, TOASTED ALMONDS, AND MANCHEGO

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over low heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer almonds to paper towels; sprinkle with Pimentón de La Vera and season with salt. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)
• Whisk shallot, vinegar, and oil in small bowl to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Place frisée, red peppers, and chicken meat in large serving bowl. Add dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle salad with almonds and cheese.
• **Test-kitchen tip:**A vegetable peeler is the perfect tool for shaving Manchego cheese. *Available at some supermarkets and specialty foods stores, and by mail from La Tienda (888-472-1022; tienda.com).

CHICKEN, RED PEPPER & ALMOND TRAYBAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the chicken, onions, potatoes and peppers in a large bowl and season. in another bowl, mix together the garlic, spices, oil, and lemon zest and juice. Pour this over everything and spread the mixture between 2 baking trays.
• Roast for 40 mins, turning over after 20 mins, until the chicken is cooked through. Add the almonds for the final 8 mins of cooking. Serve in bowls with a big dollop of Greek yogurt and some chopped parsley or coriander.

FREDS' CHICKEN SALAD WITH BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Roast the chicken (if you're using a cooked, store-bought chicken, skip this step): Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack in a roasting pan. Rub 1 tablespoon salt around the inside of the cavity, then stuff it with the thyme, lemon and garlic. Tie the legs closed with cooking twine. Rub olive oil over the entire bird, and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon salt and the black pepper. Place on the rack and roast for 72 to 80 minutes. After 72 minutes, begin testing for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the leg, close to the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165 degrees. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
• When cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the chicken. Use your hands to remove all the meat (remember, it will be hotter internally) and shred into 2-inch strips. If you're not going to make the salad for a few hours, place the meat in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove it and let come to room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before serving, to bring out the best flavor.
• Make the dressing: Place all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds, until everything is combined. With the machine on low, slowly drizzle in the oil until dressing is emulsified.
• Assemble the salad: Drizzle pears with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. In a large mixing bowl, combine pears, greens, beans, tomatoes, onion, avocado and half the chicken meat. Add some of the dressing and toss to make sure everything is lightly coated, adding more dressing if needed. Divide the mixture equally among 4 or 6 plates. Lay the rest of the chicken on top and serve immediately, passing the remaining dressing in case people want to add more.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Steps:

• 1. To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and garlic. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil until fully incorporated.
• 2. In a medium bowl combine the chicken, celery, red peppers, and chives. Fold in the vinaigrette. Season with salt and black pepper and serve, either made into a sandwich or over salad greens tossed with a little more olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
• Brown-bag it with: grapes