By Jody Williams
Broken Clock Vinegar Works
This seasonal salad showcases a rainbow of fall fruits and delights the taste buds with a simple, yet unique vinaigrette. I made it for Thanksgiving and used our newest vinegar flavor, Chardonnay Lavender, in the dressing, but you can also use a red wine vinegar or other fruit vinegar you have at home. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be super tasty. Also, don’t get too hung up on measurements. That’s the glory of salad, you really can’t mess it up!
Salad
2 Persimmons, sliced
1 Pomegranate, seeded
1 cup pecans, candied or toasted
4 oz. package honey goat cheese
3-4 heads Little Gem Lettuce, washed and chopped
Vinaigrette
¼ cup Olive Oil
2 tbs. Chardonnay Lavender Vinegar by Broken Clock Vinegar Works
Salt & Pepper to taste
Cut top off persimmons and halve lengthwise. Thinly slice each half about 1/8 inch. Place in bowl and drizzle with Chardonnay Lavender vinegar, toss to coat and let sit for at least 10 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally.
Halve pomegranate and set aside seeds, discarding the husks. To candy pecans sauté over medium high with ¼ cup brown sugar, dash cinnamon and salt and 2 tbs, water for about 3 minutes. Transfer to parchment paper (not wax paper!) and let cool, breaking apart pieces once cool to touch.
Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a large bowl. Add greens, persimmons and pomegranate seeds. Toss to coat. Crumble on goat cheese and pecans and serve.
Variations: If you don’t want to hassle with pomegranates or can’t find them, use dried cranberries and soak them with the persimmon to soften. Walnuts or sliced almonds are also great with this salad. I love the little kick arugula gives, so I usually add some to my salads, or just use arugula instead of lettuce.
Broken Clock Vinegar Works is a Solvang based company producing artisan shrubs and vinegars working with farms along the Central Coast. You can find Broken Clock Vinegar Works products at Los Olivos General Store, Solvang Spice Merchant, Valley Brewers and direct through their website at www.brokenclockvinegarworks.com. Contact them at 805-245-7389 to learn more or to schedule a tasting.
