Congratulations to 2 year old lettuce farmer Finn Chandler, winner of the 2016 Growing Your Greens Contest. Finn and his family will be treated to Dinner on Team Pospischil with a $150 gift certificate to Joey’s Restaurant. Thanks to Finn’s Mom Tracy for helping him email his pictures and supplying this delicious recipe!

Finn Chandler, Champion Lettuce Farmer

Finn Chandler, Champion Lettuce Farmer

Mixed Green Salad Serves 8

with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe

If making in advance for a party, do not add the dressing until you are ready to serve. The recipe makes more salad dressing than is required for the salad.
Ingredients

*4 ounces whole pecans

*Tbsp butter, melted
* 1 Tbsp sugar
* 3/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 Tbsp honey mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* Salt & pepper to taste
* 1 lb mixed salad greens, including fresh baby spinach
* 4 ounces goat cheese
* 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
* 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, & cut into 1″-2″ thin slices

Method
1 Preheat oven to 300°F. Put the pecans in a bowl, sprinkle the melted butter over them, and toss until they are all well coated with butter. Then sprinkle the pecans with sugar and gently toss again until they are lightly coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated pecans out over it in a single layer. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit until cool enough to touch.

2 Place the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey mustard, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a jar, cover and shake until the dressing is well mixed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3 Place the salad greens and spinach in a large bowl. Add the goat cheese, dried cranberries, red bell pepper, and pecans. Toss with 1/4 cup of the dressing. Serve immediately. Chill remaining dressing.

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