Belgian Endive and Roquefort Salad

It is summer and it is hot. Cold and hearty salads are the perfect option for hot days. The crunch and slight bitterness of chilled Belgian endive tossed with French vinaigrette (heavy on the shallots) and Roquefort blue cheese make this a perfect summer affair for dinner or lunch. And, it doesn’t get much easier when it comes to cooking something delicious.

This recipe serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.

Gather these ingredients and get to work!

• 3-4 large heads Belgian endive or 6-8 small

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

• 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

• 1 teaspoons honey (optional)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon good dijon mustard

• 2 ounces good quality blue cheese or Roquefort, then warmed to room temperature, crumbled (about ½ cup)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by macerating the shallots by placing them in a bowl or a half pint wide mouth ball jar (or full pint if I am doubling the recipe) with the vinegar. Let the shallots sit in the vinegar for 20 minutes to mellow them out or macerate them. Then toss the other ingredients in the jar and shake to emulsify the dressing. I leave it on the counter to mellow at room temperature for a half an hour or until I am ready to toss the salad.

Trim off the bottom of endive, and cut the leaves into 1-inch lengths or cut them lengthwise. If you don’t plan to eat the salad quickly, drop the endive into cold water; this will keep them from turning dark. Drain and pat dry.

Place endive in salad bowl. Add dressing and blue cheese. Toss and serve. Enjoy with a cold glass of Rose wine and a crusty baguette. You can top it with grilled fish or meat for a heartier dinner.

MY PRO TIP: To crumble the blue cheese, place it in the freezer for 20 minutes, remove, crumble by pulling bits (the size you like) off using a large fork. Place it on a plate to keep the crumbles separated until you are ready to add it to your salad.

Enjoy every water packed and crunchy bite. I need to eat this right now!