Ingredients:
COCOA-SPICED PECANS
Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
1 large egg white
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or ancho chile powder
4 cups pecan halves
STRAWBERRY & ARUGULA SALAD
1 container (5.3 ounces) soft goat's milk cheese
2 1/2 cups halved or quartered strawberries
About 2/3 cup Cocoa-Spiced Pecans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
1/4 teaspoon each fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic syrup*
2 1/2 cups arugula, washed and dried
Directions:
FOR COCOA-SPICED PECANS:
PREHEAT oven to 325° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
WHISK together egg white, sugar, cocoa, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper in medium bowl. Stir in nuts; stir until completely coated. Pour nuts onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
BAKE for 20 minutes; remove from oven. Using spatula, stir and separate nuts. Reduce oven temperature to 250° F and continue to bake for 15 minutes. Cool completely on baking sheet on wire rack, then break into pieces. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Makes 4 cups.
FOR STRAWBERRY & ARUGULA SALAD:
PLACE about 2 tablespoons goat cheese in the center of each of 5 salad plates. Scatter about ½ cup strawberries and 2 tablespoons cocoa-spiced pecans around. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with syrup. Top each with a handful (about ½ cup) arugula.
*If you can’t find balsamic syrup, you can make your own reduction by boiling balsamic vinegar until reduced by half. Cool completely before using.
Estimated Times:
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
35 minutes
Cooling Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Servings: 5
In this recipe:
