Caramelized Apple Salad with Maytag Blue Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into eighths
• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces Maytag Blue Cheese, or other blue cheese
• Orange Vinaigrette:
• 4 cups orange juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons red onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 jalapeno peppers, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

• Vinaigrette: Heat orange juice in nonreactive pot and boil until down to about 1/4 cup. Combine with remaining vinaigrette items except oil in a food processor until blended. With the food processor running, pour the olive oil into the mixture in a small stream until mixture is creamy and emulsified. Add honey and salt and pepper to taste.
• Heat about 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette in a skillet over medium high heat. Add apples and cook until golden brown on the bottom, then turn and cook through for 1-2 minutes more.
• Toss the greens with some of the vinaigrette, reserving a bit to put on at the end. Taste for correct seasoning. Plate greens, add cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Notes

• SERVINGS: 8
• SOURCE: Adapted from Bobby Flay