Lobster And Melon Salad With Hazelnut Oil Food

LOBSTER AND MELON SALAD WITH HAZELNUT OIL

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar, mustard, and honey. Whisk in the oils gradually. Season with salt and pepper.
• For the lobsters: Put 2 gallons cold water in a stockpot with 1/2 cup salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the lobsters and cover. When the water returns to a boil, uncover and boil for 12 minutes. Transfer the lobsters to ice water to chill quickly.
• Twist off the lobster tail, knuckles, and claws; discard the rest of the carcass. Crack open the shell of the tail and remove the meat in one piece, or use your finger or a small fork to push the meat out through the larger end. Crack the knuckle shells and remove the meat. To extract the meat from the claw, jiggle the small lower appendage until it snaps, then remove it. Crack the shell of the claw and pull out the meat in one piece, if possible. Cut the tail into 1/2-inch chunks and cut the knuckle meat into 2 or 3 pieces. Leave the claws whole.
• Slice the melon quarters thinly lengthwise, then cut each slice crosswise into thirds.
• Put the lobster in a bowl with the melon. Toss with the vinaigrette, using as much as you need to moisten the lobster and fruit. Add the arugula and more dressing, if needed, and toss again. Divide among individual plates or arrange on a platter. Garnish with hazelnuts and mint. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay or another full-bodied white wine.

TOASTED HAZELNUT SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND HAZELNUT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook shallots, stirring, until golden brown. Stir in cranberries, 3 tablespoons vinegar, water, and sugar and simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, about 4 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl and cool to room temperature.
• In a small skillet heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook hazelnuts with salt and pepper to taste, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer nuts to a plate and cool.
• In a small bowl whisk together mustard and remaining tablespoon vinegar with salt and pepper to taste. In a stream whisk in hazelnut oil and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified.
• In a large bowl toss greens with just enough dressing to coat and divide among 6 plates. Sprinkle salads with cranberry mixture and hazelnuts. Serve salad with soup as a main course or align as a first course.