Romaine Hearts With Balsamic Vinaigrette And Garlic Crostini Food

ROMAINE HEARTS WITH STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut each heart in half lengthwise, trim away core, rinse and dry.
• Place strawberries in a shallow bowl with vinegar and let stand 10 minutes. Whisk in extra-virgin olive oil and season the dressing with salt and pepper.
• Place a half-heart on each salad plate or on a large platter and dress with strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. Garnish with toasted almonds.

ROMAINE HEARTS WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE AND GARLIC CROSTINI

Steps:

• Toast bread in hot oven or under broiler. Rub toast with crushed garlic top with tapanade and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
• Place vinegar in a bowl and whisk in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a slow stream to combine. Add seasonings and pepper and whisk again to distribute the herbs and spice throughout the dressing.
• Quarter each romaine heart lengthwise and trim away core. Arrange 1/2 heart, 2 trimmed quarters, on each of 4 serving plates. Top lettuce with 2 garlic toasts. Drizzle toasts and lettuce with 1/4 of the prepared dressing and serve.
• In a small bowl combine the olives and anchovies.

HEARTS OF ROMAINE SALAD

Steps:

• In a small non-reactive bowl whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients except for the oil.
• Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking. Set dressing aside.
• Remove the root ends from each head of lettuce and cut the heads in half crosswise. Then cut the heads in three parts lengthwise.
• Arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter. Garnish with the Kalamata olives and spoon the vinaigrette over the salad.
• Sprinkle the myzithra cheese (if using) on top and serve. Add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
• Or cover and chill until ready to serve.

SAM'S GRILLED HEARTS OF ROMAINE

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium.
• Slice a thin 1/16 off the core end of the head, just to clean it up. Don't cut off too much. You want the heart to hold together.
• Cut lengthways down the middle of romaine making two equal halves.
• Brush all of each half with olive oil, and place cut side down on grill.
• Grill only a couple of minutes, just until leaves begin to wilt. Turn and repeat.
• Remove from grill and place cut side up on plate.
• Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar on each half, then shred cheese on top.
• Crumble bacon over and top with a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
• Double or triple as needed for more servings.
• See Sam make this recipe with his new "Special Angel" at thecookingguy.com. Click on "video" at the bottom of his home page.

ROMAINE ANTIPASTO SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: combine the red and balsamic vinegars, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender; with the blender running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube to make a smooth vinaigrette.
• In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, artichoke hearts, red peppers, and salami; add the vinaigrette and toss again.
• Top with cheese and croutons; give it a final toss and serve immediately.