Frico Salad with Fennel and Oranges

Orange Vinaigrette
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad
1 fennel bulb
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 orange, peeled and segmented
4 ounces field greens
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Frico
4 ounces smoked Scamorza (or Cheddar, Provolone, or Monterrey Jack) shredded (1 cup)

For the Orange Vinaigrette
Place the orange juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk together.
Drizzle in the oil, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified.

For the Salad
Remove and discard the stalks from the fennel and very thinly slice the bulb. Place in a large salad bowl and add the onion. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, toss to coat, set aside and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Peel the orange, removing the bitter white pith. Using a sharp knife, slice between the membranes to release the orange segments; set aside.

Just before serving time, add the greens and oranges to the fennel, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until the greens are well-coated. Adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

For the Fricos
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place one-eighth of the shredded cheese in a mound in the skillet. Cook until the bottom is browned, several minutes. Use a spatula to remove the cheese from the skillet and place on paper towel to drain. Repeat to make 8 fricos in all.

To serve, divide the salad among 4 salad plates and top each with 2 fricos. Serve immediately.

Makes about ½ cup vinaigrette
Serves 4
Orange Vinaigrette makes about 1/2 cup

Copyright © 2000 by Paula Lambert, The Cheese Lover's Cookbook and Guide, all rights reserved.