Crostini With Grilled Asparagus And Green Peppercorn Tarragon Vinaigrette Food

ASPARAGUS CROSTINI

Steps:

• For an easy party snack, spread fresh ricotta on toasted baguette slices, then top with thinly sliced asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil or truffle oil.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH GREEN PEPPERCORN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified and stir in the peppercorns. Let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Vinaigrette can be made up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerated.
• Heat the grill to high.
• Toss asparagus with the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Place grilled asparagus on a platter and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top.

TARRAGON ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• On a large plate, toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper. Grill, covered, over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally and basting frequently with honey during the last 3 minutes. Sprinkle with tarragon.

GOAT CHEESE AND ASPARAGUS CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and preheat the broiler.
• Drizzle the asparagus with some of the olive oil. Toss to coat and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the grill pan and cook until tender and grill marks form, 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Remove, let cool slightly and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces, about the size of the bread.
• Brush the bread on both sides generously with oil and place on a baking sheet. Rub the garlic all over one side of each slice. Broil until golden and crispy, 2 minutes per side. Remove and let cool slightly.
• Slather some of the goat cheese on the garlicky side of each piece of bread, then top each with 2 to 3 pieces of the grilled asparagus and a few of the cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven just until the cheese is melted and warmed, about 2 minutes.

ASPARAGUS WITH CREAMY TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with foil.
• Add the asparagus in a single row to the prepared sheet tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, toss, and then season with some salt and pepper. Roast until tender, 15 minutes.
• Serve on a bed of spring mix and drizzle with the Creamy Herb Vinaigrette.
• Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, tarragon and shallots to a bowl and whisk until smooth and emulsified.

GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Chill salad plates.
• VINAIGRETTE:.
• Muddle the tarragon with a mortar and pestle (or mash between to tablespoons).
• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and mustards. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until well blended. Stir in shallots, garlic and and tarragon. Add lemon pepper to taste.
• BLANCH BEANS:.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil.
• Drop the beans into the rapidly boiling water and bring back to a boil and cook uncovered for 8 - 10 minutes, testing the the beans after 8 minutes.
• Once desired doneness is reached, immediately drain in colander and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.
• Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl, toss with 1/4 cup vinaigrette; set aside.
• PREPARE VEGETABLES FOR GRILLING:.
• Salt zucchini and place cut side down on wire rack which has been placed on cookie sheet to collect the water. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
• Place potatoes in a steamer (or use a microwave steam bag) and steam until partially cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes (less for microwave), Time will vary depending on size of the potatoes.
• To Grill Vegetables:.
• Preheat grill and oil grate (or better yet use a grill pan, which keeps the smaller pieces from going through the grate).
• Place peppers on grill and blacken on all sides; transfer from grill to a covered dish for 10 minutes, then peel the blackened skin off. (Do not run under water as you will lose flavor.) Cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
• Brush zucchini, onions, mushrooms and potatoes with olive oil.
• Grill over hot coals to desired doneness, approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until grill marks are apparent on both sides.
• Remove from grill and cool slightly.
• Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces.
• Place grilled vegetables in large bowl and toss with 1/2 cup vinaigrette; top with green beans (drizzling the vinaigrette over the vegetables).
• Line chilled serving plates with Roamaine lettuce; top with grilled vegetables.
• Crumb feta cheese on top; and garnish with toasted walnuts and tarragon leaves.
• Pass remaining dressing.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH PEPPERCORN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil together. Add the shallots, chopped parsley and pink peppercorns. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and grill on a clean grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove to a warm platter and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

ASPARAGUS WITH TARRAGON SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Steam asparagus on a steamer rack set over boiling water, covered, until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes (depending on thickness), then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
• Whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon.
• Halve egg and force each half through a coarse sieve into a bowl. Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette and divide among 4 plates. Spoon remaining dressing over asparagus and top with egg.

GRILLED GARLIC CROSTINI

Steps:

• Mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl and brush lightly on both sides of the bread slices. Grill for 15 to 20 seconds on each side, until nicely marked, then remove with tongs and set aside. For broiling, position the rack so the slices are 2 inches from the flame and turn when the crostini starts to blacken at the edges.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan over high heat. Peel lower two thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler.
• In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, sugar, salt and pepper. Place asparagus in a shallow dish and pour over vinaigrette; toss to coat.
• Place asparagus on grill pan, reserving any juices that have accumulated in the dish. Cook until tender and grill marks appear, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a serving platter; drizzle with reserved juices.

GRILLED VEGETABLE ANTIPASTO WITH HERBED CHEVRE AND CROSTINI

Steps:

• Grilled Vegetable Antipasto:
• 1. Brush the grill grates lightly with the safflower oil. Prepare a hot fire on a gas or charcoal grill.
• 2. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and basil in a small bowl until well blended. Brush the zucchini, yellow squash, onion, red bell peppers, and scallions with the olive oil mixture. Place the vegetables on the hot grill and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper.
• 3. Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in 1 cup hot water, covered, about 5 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside. (Note: Eliminate this step if you are using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.)
• 4. Arrange the grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced tomatoes on individual plates or a serving platter. Add a slice of chevre on the side of the vegetables. Drizzle the vegetables with the vinaigrette, and drizzle a little more vinaigrette around the place. Garnish with the parsley and basil. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve with crostini.
• Crostini:
• Makes 25 to 30 crostini
• 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
• 2. Slice the bread on a slight angle into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on a baking pan in a single layer.
• 3. Mix together the olive oil, butter, parsley, dill and pepper in a small bowl.
• 4. Brush one side of each piece of bread with the butter mixture and sprinkle with the salt. Toast in the oven 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy.
• 5.Let cool completely, then store in an air-tight container up to 1 week.
• Herbed Balsamic Vinaigrette:
• 1. Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix.
• 2. Slowly add the olive oil and the canola oil and whisk until all the oil is incorporated. Refrigerate in an air-tight container until ready to use or up to 1 week.
• Herbed Chevre:
• 1. Mix the parsley and pepper together on a plate. Roll the chevre log in the mixture, pressing lightly so the seasonings adhere. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 to 2 hours.
• 2. Remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap. Cut into 1-inch slices with string, dental floss, or wire. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH CELERY LEAVES, QUAIL EGGS, AND TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cover eggs with cold water in a very small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, 5 minutes. Rinse eggs under cold running water to stop cooking, then peel and quarter.
• Cut asparagus on a very sharp diagonal into 3/4-inch-thick slices (about 2 inches long), leaving 2-inch tips. Halve tips lengthwise if thicker than rest of slices. Arrange asparagus on a steamer rack and sprinkle with kosher salt. Steam, covered, over boiling water until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
• Whisk together vinegar and mustards. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking. Stir in shallot, 2 teaspoons tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss asparagus and celery leaves with half of vinaigrette and mound on 4 plates. Tuck quail eggs decoratively into salads. Drizzle salads and plates with remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle with remaining teaspoon tarragon.

ASPARAGUS WITH HAZELNUTS AND TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Pour water into large pot to depth of 1 inch and bring to boil. Place asparagus on steamer rack set over water in pot. Cover pot and steam until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain. Place asparagus on paper towels. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Combine shallots, vinegar, tarragon and mustard in bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Place baby lettuces on large platter. Arrange asparagus atop lettuces. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.

ASPARAGUS CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. With a pastry brush, lightly brush the slices of baguette with olive oil. Place pieces on pan, season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
• Blanch trimmed asparagus in rapidly boiling salted water for about 3 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath. Remove once cooled to dry, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
• To assemble: Place a small piece of salmon on top of the crostini, then two pieces of asparagus, and top with one small slice of brie. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper.

ASPARAGUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt, and the asparagus. Return to a boil, and cook until asparagus are bright green and tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice bath to cool. Drain well, pat dry, and transfer to a serving platter.
• In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, and sugar. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk in oil. Add lemon zest and tarragon; whisk to combine. Taste, and adjust for seasoning. Drizzle over asparagus. Serve immediately, or let stand at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before serving.

WARM ASPARAGUS WITH TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the mustard in a small bowl. Whisk in the vinegar, salt and pepper. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly, until completely incorporated. Stir in the shallots and tarragon. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
• Trim the asparagus, discarding woody ends. Steam, roast or grill the spears whole until just tender when pierced with a fork. Do not overcook.
• Arrange the still-warm asparagus on a warm serving plate, spoon the dressing over it and turn the asparagus gently to coat.

ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH RICOTTA CROSTINI

Steps:

• Cut asparagus stalks into thirds, separating tips, middles and ends. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups salted water to a boil. Add tips and cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain and reserve for garnish.
• Separate dark green leek tops from bottoms. Thinly slice the white leek bottoms and set aside.
• In a saucepan, combine leek tops, stock, asparagus bottoms and bay leaf. Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes; strain, discarding the solids and saving the stock.
• Return empty pot to medium-low heat. Add oil, white leek slices and rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until leeks are golden, about 5 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of the stock. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining stock and asparagus middles. Simmer, covered, over low heat, until asparagus is completely tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Press soup through a food mill (or purée in a blender, then strain through a coarse mesh sieve; nothing too fine, you want a little texture here). Return soup to pot. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Cover to keep warm.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and toast, turning halfway through, until bread is golden and dry to the touch, about 10 minutes.
• While bread toasts, season ricotta with tarragon, salt and pepper. Rub hot crostini with the cut side of the halved garlic cloves and slather with ricotta. Ladle soup into warm bowls and garnish with the asparagus tips. Serve with crostini.