Warm French Goat's Cheese Salad (Salade de Chêvre Chaud)

Step 1

Slice cheese: Cut goat's cheese if necessary to create ~ 1.25cm (1/2") thick rounds.

Step 2

Place flour, whisked egg and breadcrumbs in 3 separate, small bowls.

Step 3

Crumb cheese: Coat cheese in flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, allow excess to drip. Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Place on plate and set aside.

Step 4

Toast nuts: Spread nuts in a layer on a tray. Toast in a 180C / 375F oven for around 5 minutes until they are lightly browned and smell toasty. Immediately transfer to a small bowl to cool. Alternatively, toast in a skillet over medium heat (walnuts will take longer than pine nuts, so best to do in separate batches).

Step 5

Cook bacon: Place bacon in a cold non-stick pan. Turn the stove to medium and let the pan warm up. Once the fat starts to melt, turn the heat to high. Stir and cook bacon until golden. Drain excess fat on paper towels.

Step 6

Dressing: Shake dressing ingredients in a jar.

Step 7

Begin assembling salad: Place lettuce in a bowl, casually arrange tomatoes, then sprinkle with nuts and bacon.

Step 8

Melt butter in a small non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Step 9

Pan-fry cheese: Once butter is foaming, cook crumbed cheeses for 1 - 1 1/2 minutes on one side until golden. Carefully turn, cook other side for 1 minute until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 10

Drizzle each salad with 2 tbsp of dressing. Arrange 2 crumbed cheeses on top of each salad. Sprinkle with chives.

Step 11

Serve immediately, while cheese is hot and melty inside!