04.27.09
On Rue Tatin
One Saturday morning, my husband walked into our living room and tossed a book into my lap with a smile. Since the book was about France, he knew I would enjoy it. Then I discovered the secret of his smile, though the story is about a family’s move to France – included throughout the events of their new lives in the town of Louviers are delicious French recipes. Ah, the best of both worlds!
On Rue Tatin is just one of Susan Loomis’ six cookbooks, and she is as excellent a writer as she is a cook. Her down- to-earth style and cultural tales make the recipes all the more inviting. One particular favorite is a simple salad recipe that we often serve for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Finding a vinaigrette recipe that reminds me of the ones we enjoy in France was a long awaited pleasure.
Apple, Roquefort, and Walnut Salad
For the Vinaigrette:
1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad:
10 cups mixed salad greens torn in bite-size pieces
1 large tart apple, cored, peeled and cut into ½ cubes
½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted (We substitute pecans.)
3 ounces Roquefort cheese
1. Place the vinegar and the mustard in a large bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk together. Whisk in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies. Adjust the seasoning.
2. Add the salad greens, apple, and walnuts and toss until they are coated with dressing. Crumble the Roquefort over the salad, toss well, and season to taste. Serve immediately.
We appreciated permission to share this recipe from pages 95-96 of On Rue Tatin. For those with upcoming visits to Paris, you may enjoy a cooking class with Susan. The next one-day classes are May 7 and 8, then again on June 18 and 19 in Patricia Wells’ cooking studio on rue Jacob in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près. For more information, please click here.