GRANDMA'S WATERCRESS SALAD ALL DRESSED UP

Grandma's Watercress Salad All Dressed Up image

Provided by Food Network

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 bunches washed and clipped watercress
4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola
4 ounces red onion, julienned
4 ounces spiced walnuts, recipe follows
4 ounces red wine vinaigrette, recipe follows
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 ounces duck prosciutto
4 mission figs, cut in 1/2 lengthwise
Fig balsamic vinegar
3 ounces butter
2 cups walnuts, chopped
3 ounces honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
3 cloves
1 small shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 cups blended oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

In a medium mixing bowl, toss watercress, gorgonzola, onion, nuts and vinaigrette. Season and decoratively place in the center of a chilled plate (be sure to divide all ingredients evenly amongst 4 plates). Garnish salad with slices of prosciutto, figs and a drizzle of fig balsamic vinegar.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, melt butter and then add nuts. Toss nuts in pan until well coated with butter, then add honey and toss some more until nuts are well coated. Season with salt, pepper and a touch of cayenne pepper. Put nuts in oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, tossing regularly so they toast evenly. Cool. Store in airtight container until needed.
Place all ingredients in blender except oil. Process until smooth and then slowly drizzle in oil. Adjust seasoning, as desired.