Ingredients

  • 1 cup blanched hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 2 Tbs. maple syrup
  • 2 Tbs. unrefined sugar such as maple sugar, Sucanat or evaporated cane juice
  • 13 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnut oil
  • 8 cups mesclun greens
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Combine nuts, maple syrup and sugar in medium bowl.
  • Spread nuts on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake 15 minutes, stirring once, until caramelized.
  • Let cool.
  • Pour vinegar into small saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, uncovered, or until liquid is reduced to 2 Tbs.
  • Pour vinegar into bowl, and stir in mustard.
  • Slowly drizzle hazelnut oil into bowl, whisking constantly until well blended.
  • Let cool.
  • Place mesclun greens in large bowl, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Toss with dressing.
  • Sprinkle with hazelnuts.