Warm Chicken Ciabatta Salad Food

CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Tear 1 medium ciabatta into big, ragged croutons or, if you prefer, cut with a bread knife. Spread over a large baking sheet or tray and sprinkle over 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Rub the oil into the bread and season with a little salt if you like (sea salt crystals are best for this). Bake for 8-10 mins, turning the croutons a few times during cooking so they brown evenly.
• Rub 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, season. Place pan over a medium heat for 1 min, until hot, but not smoking. Lay the chicken on the pan (it will sizzle if it's hot enough) and leave for 4 mins.
• Turn the chicken, then cook for 4 mins more. Check if it's cooked by poking the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part; there should be no sign of pink and juices will run clear.
• Bash 1 garlic clove with the flat of a knife and peel off the skin. Crush with a garlic crusher. Mash 2 anchovies with a fork against the side of a small bowl.
• Grate a handful of parmesan cheese and mix with the garlic, anchovies, 5 tbsp mayonnaise and 1 tbsp white wine vinegar. Season to taste. It should be the consistency of yogurt - if yours is thicker, stir in a few tsps water to thin it.
• Shave the cheese with a peeler. Tear 1 large cos or romaine lettuce into large pieces and put in a large bowl. Pull chicken into bite-size strips and scatter half over the leaves, along with half the croutons.
• Add most of the dressing and toss with your fingers. Scatter the rest of the chicken and croutons, then drizzle with the remaining dressing. Sprinkle the parmesan on top and serve straight away.

WARM CHICKEN LIVER AND BACON SALAD

Steps:

• Boil the potatoes until just under-done. Let them dry in a colander then cut in half. Meanwhile, boil or steam the beans until al dente.
• Heat the butter in a heavy frying pan. When bubbling, add the halved potatoes and saute until nicely coloured.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and set aside.
• Get the pan back to temperature and add the lardons. Fry for a couple of minutes, then add the livers (you want these to be ready at the same time, so if you prefer the livers well done, put them in earlier, if you prefer them pinker, you'll want to wait. It all depends on the size of your lardons and liver chnks - use your judgement!).
• Once the livers are just browned, add the balsamic vinegar and continue to cook until the meat is cooked. Add a little more balsamic if it reduces too quickly. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
• Assemble everything into a bowl immediately before serving, pouring over the reduced balsamic jus as a dressing. Serve immediately, or the lettuce will start to wilt.