from County Social
The younger sibling of the famous Toronto hotel, the Drake Devonshire is a lakeside hotel, restaurant, bar, and event space in Wellington. https://thedrake.ca/drakedevonshire/
This summer-ripened recipe comes together with access to so many great County tomato growers, accented with amazing local burrata cheese and some outstanding sourdough from bakery friends. Seasonally inspired, other versions have included a fresh salsa verde with crispy kale, torched snow peas, pickled kohlrabi, and puffed sorghum for spring. Walking the fields with farmers who are continuously passionate is an invigorating part of the County’s culinary community. The unique and unexpected pairing of peaches and truffles, which I showcase here, comes from my adventures in France.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Salad
2 (200 g) balls premium-brand burrata cheese
3 firm, ripe peaches
4 slices sourdough bread, 1¼–1½” thick
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 assorted local heirloom tomatoes (various shapes, colours, and sizes, about 1 lb)
Pinch of Maldon sea salt
¼ bunch each Italian parsley, tarragon, and basil (about 1 cup total)
4 leaves frisée lettuce (or other baby lettuce), torn
½ cup truffle balsamic vinaigrette
Edible flower petals and microgreen sprouts, to garnish (optional)
Truffle Balsamic Vinaigrette
½ cup plus 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ cup sherry vinegar
3 tbsp shallot, finely diced
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp truffle paste
2 tsp truffle oil
1¾ cups extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Method
Vinaigrette
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic and sherry vinegars, shallot, and truffle paste. Gradually whisk in the truffle and olive oils until well blended and slightly thick ened; season with salt and pepper. Vinaigrette can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Makes about 2½ cups.
Salad
Bring burrata to room temperature for 1 hour. Drain liquid just before using; set on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Cut peaches in half and discard pits; cut each half into 4 pieces. Drizzle lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill peaches for 1–2 minutes on each side, until lightly charred (or quickly sear in a hot frying pan). Set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat; fry bread slices on both sides until toasted and light golden. Set aside.
Cut tomatoes into various shapes and sizes, like slices, wedges, and chunks. Wash and dry herbs, removing stems; toss together in a small bowl with the frisée.
Assembly
Place one slice of toast in the centre of 4 serving plates. Gently slice or tear burrata balls into halves; place one half on the centre of each toast. Arrange tomatoes around each plated burrata; season with Maldon sea salt.
Divide peaches between each plate. Drizzle each plate evenly with truffle balsamic vinaigrette; reserve the remainder for another use. Top each burrata with a cascade of the frisée and herb mixture, and garnish with edible flowers and microgreen sprouts. Serve immediately.
Chef’s Notes: It’s important not to season the tomatoes with salt until just before serving so that the tomatoes don’t purge their juices.
Drink Pairings: Fruit notes balance with the peaches here and the bright freshness cleans your palate for the decadent cheese: Morandin Pinot Gris 2022, Matron Bobo Farmhouse Ale.
Nada’s Tips & Tricks: This is a beautifully presented salad for those special luncheons with your friends. Can’t source truffle products in your neck of the Canadian woods? Check out Kovacic Truffles at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/kovacic-truffles/ For the less fussy times, you can substitute truffle paste for some mushroom muffuletta. Can’t find burrata? Try fresh mozzarella or firm ricotta. I like chilled dry Riesling with salads but will have to try the Pinot Gris!
Published with the permission of Assembly Press from County Social: Vignettes from Prince Edward County’s Craft Drinkmakers by Natalie Wollenberg and Leigh Nash.© 2024. https://assemblypress.ca/shop/county-social
