HealthNotes

Mache Salad with Bing Cherries and Pancetta

• From: California Cherry Advisory Board

Ingredients

• Vinaigrette1 small shallot, minced

• 1- 1/2 Tbs balsamic vinegar

• 3- 1/2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbs water

• 2-3 sprigs fresh mint, finely chopped (about 1 teaspoon)

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Salad1/4 lb pancetta (about 1/2-inch thick slice), diced

• 6 cups mache greens (3.5 oz), rinsed and thoroughly dried

• 1/2 lb Bing or Ranier cherries (about 2 cups), rinsed, pitted and quartered

• 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced or shaved

• 4 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled

• 1/3 cup hazelnuts or almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

Mache is worth a try, but nearly any other small leaf lettuce will carry this fresh medley of flavor just fine.

Directions

• For the vinaigrette, mix the shallot and vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil, then the water. Add the mint; season to taste with salt and pepper.
• For the salad, sauté the pancetta in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring on occasion, until crisp, 5-8 minutes. Combine the mache, cherries, fennel, and warm pancetta in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Divide between plates and scatter each salad with goat cheese and nuts, if using.