Refresh
    The Weird Leftover Salad

    This Salad is a little wink at all the Christmas gone past where we had more than we can chew... Or like my Mum would say that we had our eyes bigger than our bellies. Around the Festive period we do buy more food than we really need for one event or a few. Then we are left with what is 'Left': the Leftovers. One Year it was the what do you do when you bought too much Brussels Sprouts? And what about that packet of Dried Cranberries? Only a quarter was used up... What about the Walnuts left in the Nuts bowl? And there it is the moment when you reflect upon something to do with everything apart from putting everything in the bin which would be a crying shame out loud. I did come up with a Weird Salad which probably many did as well in their own way. And yes it does involve Brussels Sprouts in a big Way and Cranberries, red like Rudolph's nose who left for another year and another Christmas to come... 

    Putting it all Together
    The Weird Leftover Salad
    Timing
    • Preptime: 20 to 30 minutes
    • Cooktime: None.
    • Servings: 3-4 portions
    Ingredients

    Brussel Sprouts, shredded, 500g.

    2 Apples.

    Dried Cranberries, 150g.

    Walnuts, chopped in halves, 150g.

    Gem Lettuce, 1.

    A bunch of Curly Parsley. Chopped.

    Cider Vinaigrette:

    Cider Vinegar 150ml,

    Olive Oil, 450ml,

    1 Tablespoon of Dijon Mustard,

    1 Clove of Garlic, 'Garlic pressed'.

    Black Pepper and Salt.

     

    Steps

    The most consuming time thing comes first which is preparing the Brussels Sprouts. They are not going to be boiled and there is no need for little crosses on the bottom of them or anything like that. However the tougher bit of the bottom needs to be trimmed. Then the outer leaves of the Sprouts which are a little unsightly  need to be removed. Don't throw anything away, it can go on the compost bin or be made as a little present for the Rabbit, the Guinea Pig, the Hamster of one in the neighbourhood...

    Next come the shredding of the Sprouts, which is very manual and rather basic. Christmas is gone so you don't have to do perfect lines while slicing the Brussels Sprouts. All that counts is their fresh raw slight bitterness. Pour the shreds into a large Salad bowl.

    Deal with the Gem Lettuce by washing it and taking each Leaves out of the core without damaging them. Then add them to the bowl.

    The following is very simple: pour all your dried Cranberries in the Salad.

    As for the Walnuts just make sure they are cut in half before putting them into the bowl.

    Chop the Curly Parsley  then add it to the Salad.

    Then prepare the Apples, core them before making wedges. One half of an Apple should give you about 4 to 6 wedges. Place them into the Salad bowl. There is no need to peel the Apples just wash them a little beforehand. I used the Apples I had, Gala ones and their colour contrasted well with the overall green which was pleasing to the eyes. Their sweetness like the ones of the Cranberries conterbalanced the slight bitterness of the Brussels Sprouts.

    Last but not least, make the Cider Vinaigrette which is very simple to do. It consists of 150ml of Cider Vinegar, 450ml of Olive Oil, 1 heapedTablespoon of Dijon Mustard, 1 Garlic Clove either pressed or very finely chopped, and Seasoning: Salt and Pepper. Whisk until everything is mix together. Adjust the Vinaigrette if needs be.

    Pour most of the Vinaigrette over the Weird Salad but keep some aside for people who want some more.

    This Salad is actually very nice although I was dubious about the result from the get go. To deal with what you have at hand is not that easy. However when it is successful like this one was it feels a bit like watching discovery Channel for Cooks: this goes well with that and that gives texture to the all lot and so on... If you know what I mean.  

     

     

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