I came upon this recipe while looking for something else. Since I had just come back from Costco with a huge bag of walnuts guess what we had last night. Although this is really a late autumn/winter recipe when endive is at its peak, I couldnt help posting it lest I forget. Tuck it in your recipe box until then and remember to try out
This appetizer has a lot going for it: The sweetness of the honeyed walnuts and orange sections complements the endive's natural bitterness, while goat cheese provides a smooth contrast to the crunch of the greens and nuts. It is truly delightful with cocktails so give it a try and don't omit anything! It would be delightful and very elegant if served with champagne.
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 2 stuffed leaves)
Ingredients
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons honey, divided
Cooking spray
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons orange juice
16 Belgian endive leaves (about 2 heads)
1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese
16 small orange sections (about 2 navel oranges)
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine walnuts and 1 tablespoon honey; spread on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes.
Combine 1 tablespoon honey, vinegar, and orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, and cook until reduced to 3 tablespoons (about 5 minutes).
Fill each endive leaf with 1 orange section. Top each section with 1 teaspoon cheese and 1 teaspoon walnuts; arrange on a plate. Drizzle the vinegar mixture evenly over leaves, and sprinkle evenly with chives and pepper.
My recipes, Cooking Light
