Dandelion Salad with Lardons and Goat Cheese Phyllo Blossoms

Ingredients for Dandelion Salad with Lardons and Goat Cheese Phyllo Blossoms

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 230g soft mild goat cheese (240ml ) at room temperature

• 45ml double cream

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 3 (17- by 12-inch) sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen

• 170g slab bacon, rind discarded if necessary and bacon cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, then cut into 1-inch-wide pieces (to form lardons)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

• 2 1/2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoons sugar

• 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 675g dandelion greens, stems and centre ribs discarded and leaves cut into 2-inch pieces (2400ml )

• a muffin tin with 6 (1/2- or 1/3-cup) muffin cups

How to make Dandelion Salad with Lardons and Goat Cheese Phyllo Blossoms

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 191°C. Brush muffin cups with some melted butter.

Stir together goat cheese, cream, egg, mustard, and pepper in a bowl until combined well.

Cover phyllo with 2 overlapping sheets of plastic wrap and then a dampened kitchen towel. Arrange 1 sheet of phyllo on a work surface, then brush with some melted butter. Cut phyllo into 4 (8 1/2- by 6-inch) rectangles and arrange 2 of them one over the other in a crisscross pattern, then line a muffin cup with overlapping phyllo. Line another muffin cup with remaining 2 phyllo rectangles in same manner. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 phyllo sheets and melted butter, lining remaining 4 muffin cups.

Spoon goat cheese filling into cups and loosely gather edges of phyllo over centre (if pieces of phyllo break off, arrange in centre).

Bake phyllo blossoms until tops are golden brown and sides are golden, 25 to 35 minutes, then transfer from pan to a rack to cool slightly.

Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 12 minutes. If necessary pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat. Add oil and shallot to skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar, quickly stirring and scraping up brown bits, then stir in sugar and salt. Immediately pour hot dressing and bacon over dandelion greens in a large bowl and toss well.

Divide salad among plates and put a warm goat cheese blossom alongside each salad. Serve immediately.

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While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.