It was exciting having had both Hugh and Linton Hopkins in the chef series again this year since they recently shared the coveted Best Chef Southeast award.
Please join me in congratulating the Blue Eyed Daisy, winner of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars! While you’re at it, stop by the Daisy and pick up their scrumptious cupcakes and other delectable treats.
Hugh Acheson’s Crisp Kale and Baby Zucchini Salad
with Garlic and Anchovy Dressing
2 small zucchinis (5 inches around) shaved very thinly
1 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus a small pinch
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Place the shaved zucchini in a bowl or platter and pour 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice over it. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and then douse with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use an olive oil you would be proud of, not the cheapest you can find. Let the zucchini sit at room temperature as you progress through the rest of the recipe.
In a large bowl toss the kale leaves with one tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and toss well. Lay out on a baking sheet pan and bake in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes.
The kale should crisp well and have a nice amount of color to it but not be shriveled up greenery. We are trying to get to a texture of crunchy while retaining the beauty of green.
Remove the kale from the oven and set aside.
In a small mortar and pestle, pound the garlic into a paste with the mustard, anchovy paste, and the pinch of salt. Slowly add the olive oil to emulsify and then thin with the remaining lemon juice and the vinegar. Taste for loveliness.
Spread some of the dressing down on a platter and then arrange the zucchini on the dressing. Then pile up the kale leaves over that and dot with Parmesan shavings. Eat. It’s good for you.
How delicious this sounds. Yummm.
I am planning to visit Serenbe to see if it might be my new “home”. I am a visual artist.
If you have a moment, please visit my website:
http://www.catherinenewhart.com/iWeb/
P. S. This is an Apple/Mac website which is being discontinued on June 30th. Warm regards, Catherine Newhart – 760 579-2979…