Salad With Goat-Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

• 8 slices French bread, thin slices, sliced diagonally so slices are about 3 inches long (about 1/2-inch-thick)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese packed in olive oil and basil
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 16 ounces romaine lettuce or chicory lettuce or escarole
• fresh ground pepper (optional)

Shallot Dressing

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Directions

1. 1

   Make croutons: Spread cheese on 4 slices of bread and top with other 4 slices. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute cheese sandwiches in oil about 1 1/2 minutes per side until golden. Cut into small cubes.

2. 2

   Make dressing: Whisk together vinegar through shallots. Gradually whisk in oil in a steady stream.

3. 3

   In a large salad bowl, toss mesclun or other greens with croutons and dressing. Pass a pepper grinder at the table.