Nectarine and Arugula Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese
it's ready whether or not you are
things you’ll need: nectarines or peaches, arugula, optional tomatoes and goat cheese, honey, whole grain mustard (or Dijon or whatever you like), olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white wine or sherry or whatever gets you going), shallot, salt and pepper. (Should I have added a seed/nut? I also thought about corn and now I wish I had).
the dressing is kind of like the one from my Spinach and Asparagus Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. I just wanted to eat nectarines and goat cheese. That’s a lie. I did not want to eat anything. It was hot and, even though we all knew the SCOTUS ruling was coming down, I was angry/despondent/murderous/nihilistic. I bought nectarines. They were ripe. The rest came together.
Incidentally gluten-free and vegetarian. Leave out the goat cheese for non-dairy and sub maple syrup* for vegan.
*In my comfort scrolling, I saw an article about Vegan Honey and I am fascinated by it. Has anyone tried it? Apparently, you can make one at home by cooking down apple juice, sugar, chamomile, and lemon. I’m almost curious enough to make some.
Chapter 224
In any given season, there’s a pile of fruit in your kitchen. It’s a very slow race to see if the flies find it or if the flesh will turn before you use it first. Sometimes you smell it come ripe and perfect. Sometimes you smell the rot and find shriveled remains, remembering how eager you were to feel the flesh give way beneath your teeth.
Whether you keep them in paper bags, full sun, or the 3-tier basket you suspended from the ceiling with fishing twine, the nectarines come ripe when they’re ready, heedless of your need. Hopefully, you’re ready when they are.
Most major life events come down to timing. Maybe you are in the agony of waiting. Maybe you are basking in the culmination. Maybe you just cracked the spine of an idea and are deep in wondering whether or not you dare. (I dare you.)
Either way, your nectarines are ripe and waiting.
Cut your nectarines into quarters. Try your best to pry the fruit from its pit without slicing your palm. Sometimes you’re not ready to let go either, especially when the timing is right and everything is about to become real.
Slice and then toss your nectarines with arugula. Add the tomato that won’t wait another day to be devoured, maybe some corn or whatever else begs to be used. Crumble in the goat cheese that you found, lucky it also waited for the fruit to be ready.
Mix up a vinaigrette (typically 2 parts oil to 1 part vinegar) with apple cider vinegar, a big dollop of whole grain mustard, diced shallot, and a big squeeze of honey (or maple syrup). Whisk it all together and keep whisking while you drizzle in the olive oil until well emulsified. Salt and pepper to taste, adding a little more of whatever it needs.
Sometimes it feels sudden, the way all your magic-making comes to fruition right as you are ready to receive it. Other times, you wait by the window, hitting refresh, and sending follow-ups until the slow-loris of your dreams begins to drag itself into frame.
Hey friends! I made an introduction thread where you can stop by and say hello!
I’d love to get to know you better.
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