Fried Goat Cheese & Strawberry Mint Salad

C'mon folks, you get to fry some cheese and eat strawberry's? Does this even need and introductions on the freshness and comfort that one shall receive in one dish? Mmm...mmm...mmm. Without further ado, my good people, I present to you a simple treat that you'll have just as much fun making as you will eating it. You can add fresh apples or pears. I serve this with my Tangy Vinaigrette (recipe to be added after this one) and the game changes. This makes 2 generous salads.

Fried Goat Cheese & Strawberry Salad

...for the goat cheese

INGREDIENTS

• 4 Oz goat cheese log

• 1 egg, beat

• 1 1/2 cup butter crackers,crumbled (Sub: breadcrumbs)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp parsley, chopped fine (SUB: dried parsley)

• 1 garlic clove, chopped finely

• Olive oil for flash frying

• (optional) green onion, chopped for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small mixing bowl, add goat cheese, salt, parsley, and garlic. Using a fork, mash them together until evenly blended.

2. Add a little oil to your hands to prevent sticking, and form the cheese mixture into little patties. Place them in the freezer for 15 minutes, until pretty firm. This prevents them from melting to quickly when they hit the pan.

3. In one wide bowl, add cracker crumbs. In a second bowl, add beat egg. Remove cheese from freezer. Dip each piece of cheese in egg, then cracker crumbs, then egg (again), then cracker crumbs (again). Place on plate. Return to freezer for a few moments, while you prepare the cooking oil.

4. Add just enough oil to a skillet to go just a little higher than covering the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat. The oil is ready once you can see wavy lines.

5. Remove cheese from the freezer, add to hot oil, leaving some space between each piece. Brown on each side, about 1-2 mins each side. MUST MOVE QUICKLY before it melts. Remove and place on a rack or on brown paper bag to drain oil. Repeat as needed.

...for the salad

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. fresh baby greens

• 2 TBS fresh mint, chopped coarsely

• 6-10 strawberries, stem removed and sliced lengthwise

• 1/2 large Honey Crisp apple, sliced thinly with seeds removed

• 2-3 TBS green onion, chopped for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Layer the baby greens with mint, apple slices, strawberries, and goat cheese. Top with green onion and vinaigrette. Brag, enjoy, and spread the word. ;)