Mesclun Greens With Creamy Garlic Dressing And Roasted Garlic Crouton With Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Food

MINESTRONE WITH PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic, carrots and pancetta and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups water, the cabbage, chard, potato, chicken stock, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook 25 to 30 minutes.
• Place half of the beans (1 1/2 cups) in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the bean puree and the whole beans to the soup and simmer 10 minutes. Add the spinach and cook 2 more minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cheese.

CAESAR SALAD WITH CREAMY ROASTED GARLIC DRESSING AND PARMESAN CRISP

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. To make Parmesan crisp: place 3-inch ring mold on baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan into mold. Repeat 3 more times so there are 4 separate parmesan disks. Lay out crisps on a foil covered pan. Place under broiler for 3 to 4 minutes watching carefully until Parmesan turns golden brown. Remove from broiler and let cool.
• In a blender combine Caesar dressing, roasted garlic cloves and mayonnaise. Blend on medium speed until creamy.
• In a large bowl, add romaine, 1/4 cup Parmesan and croutons. Toss with salad dressing.
• Carefully peel Parmesan crisps from foil.
• Serve on chilled plates with Parmesan crisps upright in salad.

CREAMY ROASTED GARLIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. I use my handy chopper.
• If the dressing is too thick, thin with more cream.
• To roast garlic - slice the top off a whole head of garlic. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Wrap up and bake at 400 for about 40 minutes.