Saturday, May 31, 2008

Asparagus & Potato Salad

Asparagus and Potato Salad
serves 6

ingredients
450g/1lb small waxy potatoes
125ml/4fl oz extra virgin olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped)
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
900g/2lb fresh asparagus tips or
young asparagus, trimmed
225g/8oz young spinach leaves,
rinsed and drained
salt and freshly ground
black pepper

• Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7.
• Put the potatoes in a roasting tin, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20–30 minutes until just soft to the centre, then cool.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together some salt, pepper, the shallots, vinegar and the remaining oil. Slice the potatoes thickly, put into a large bowl, pour the dressing over and marinate for 10 minutes.
• Cook the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes. Drain carefully, and put into a bowl of ice-cold water to retain the colour and stop the spears cooking further. Drain again, then add to the potatoes with the spinach. Toss together carefully, and serve.

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Waldorf Chicken Salad
serves 4

ingredients
500g/1lb 2oz red apples
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
150ml/5fl oz mayonnaise
1 bunch of celery, thinly sliced
4 shallots, sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
75g/3oz walnuts, chopped
500g/1lb 2oz skinless lean cooked chicken, cubed
1 Cos lettuce
salt and ground black pepper

• Quarter, core and dice the apples. Put the diced apple in a bowl with the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise. Cover with cling film; leave for 40 minutes.
• Add the celery, shallots, garlic and walnuts to the apple, mix then add the remaining mayonnaise and blend thoroughly. Add the chicken and mix well.
• Line a salad bowl with the lettuce leaves. Pile the chicken salad into the centre, season and serve.