Toasted Almond And Pecorino Sandwiches Food

SWISS CHARD PESTO WITH ALMONDS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; season the water generously with kosher salt. Prepare an ice water bath with a colander. Blanch the Swiss chard in the boiling water until tender, about 2 minutes. Shock immediately in the ice water. Drain by squeezing the leaves in a ball in a clean kitchen cloth.
• Put the cooked chard, almonds, cheese, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest and juice and garlic into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture begins to break down and come together. Add enough olive oil to the mixture to just get it to come together, about 3/4 cup. Season with salt and pepper.

TOASTED ALMOND AND PECORINO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Coarsely chop nuts in processor. Add next 6 ingredients. Blend until mixture forms coarse paste. (This can be made 3 days ahead.) Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.
• Divide almond paste among half of bread slices; spread to cover. Top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover with remaining bread slices. Brush tops with oil.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Add 3 sandwiches, oiled side down, to each skillet. Cook until bread is crusty on bottom, about 6 minutes. Brush tops with oil. Turn sandwiches over. Cook until brown and crusty on bottom, pressing to compact, about 6 minutes.

QUICK SAUTE OF ZUCCHINI WITH TOASTED ALMONDS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• Slice the zucchini lengthwise 1/8th inch thick, then slice again to resemble matchsticks.
• Divide the oil between two large, heavy-bottomed skillets and heat over high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add half of the almonds to each skillet.
• When the almonds are golden brown and toasted (approx. 30 seconds), add half the zucchini to each pan and toss to coat zucchini with the hot oil. (You just want to warm the zucchini, not cook it.).
• Season with salt and pepper. Return to heat for about 30 seconds to warm through.
• Divide almonds and zucchini between four warmed plates and top with the sheets of pecorino.
• Serve while still nice and hot.

ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH PECORINO, BASIL AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the oil, shallot, capers, caper brine, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut each squash into 2-inch segments. Slice the segments lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slabs, then slice those slabs lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick batons. Add to a large bowl.
• Just before serving, season the zucchini with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Stir in the cheese, herbs and dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the almonds and serve immediately.