Grilled Fennel Tomato And Baby Greens Salad With Bacon Food

GRILLED FENNEL

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Slice a very thin layer from the bottom of each fennel bulb using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, leaving the core in place to help hold bulb intact. Remove fennel stalks, reserving fronds. Slice bulbs vertically into 1/4-inch slices. Brush slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with ground black pepper and salt on each side.
• Grill fennel slices until charred, about 5 minutes per side; transfer to serving platter.
• Whisk remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, basil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, thyme, and reserved fennel fronds together in a bowl. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and drizzle lemon mixture over fennel.

HERBED POTATO SALAD WITH BACON

Steps:

• Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and run under cold water until cool; peel, chop and set aside.
• Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch; season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until just tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool 5 minutes.
• Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Combine the potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, scallions and celery in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine 1/2 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, 1/3 cup each chopped parsley and chives, and 1/4 cup chopped tarragon in a blender. Add 2 anchovy fillets, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon capers, the juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper; puree until smooth. (Makes 1 1/2 cups.)

TOMATO FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Core the tomatoes and cut into wedges. Remove the top of the fennel (save some fronds for garnish) and slice the bulb very thinly crosswise with a knife or on a mandoline.
• Toss the tomatoes and fennel in a bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fennel fronds, season to taste, and serve.