Golden Middle East Dressing Food

ENDIVE SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS, ORANGE CARAMEL DRESSING AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Arrange the walnuts on a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the center of the oven. Toast until the nuts are golden brown, really toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Spray a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with nonstick spray. In a large saute pan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a light amber color, 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle the walnuts in a single layer over the caramel. Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick spray and stir the nuts, quickly but carefully, to coat with the caramel. Transfer the nuts from the pan onto the prepared baking sheet, sprinkling the nuts so they separate as they land on the parchment. Season with salt.
• To the pan with the residual caramel, add the vinegar and orange juice. Warm the pan, whisking until the caramel, vinegar and orange juice are well combined. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the mustard and oil. Adjust the seasoning.
• Arrange the endive and radicchio leaves in a single layer on a family-style large platter. Intersperse the orange segments and walnuts with the endive and radicchio. Season with salt to taste. Drizzle with all of the dressing. Top with the blue cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. Sprinkle the salt over the garlic and use the broad side of your knife alternately to squash the garlic and chop the garlic until a thick paste forms. Add that to a half pint sized mason jar along with the remaining dressing ingredients. Screw the lid tightly in place, and shake hard. Refrigerate until ready to dress your salad.

MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE YOGURT

Steps:

• Line a sieve with a double layer of paper towels and set over a bowl. Whisk yogurt with salt and spoon into sieve. Let drain, covered and chilled, at least 12 hours and up to 24.
• Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a dry small heavy skillet, shaking skillet occasionally, until golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk together oil, mint, and thyme in a bowl, then add toasted sesame seeds and chill, covered, up to 24 hours.
• Bring sesame mixture to room temperature, then drizzle it over lebneh (thickened yogurt).

LEBANESE SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients in a tightly covered container. Serve over a salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

GOLDEN HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients into a jam-jar, make sure the lid's on firmly and shake like mad.

GOLDEN MIDDLE-EAST DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight lid. Shake before serving.
• It REALLY tastes best if you let the flavors develop in the fridge for at least an hour or two. (NOTE: You can use just a pinch of salt- depends on your taste. I use slightly less than 1/8 tsp.).