After scratching my head for a while I finally got around to attempting a composed salad.
It's radish-jalapeno medley with honeyed orange segments. It was plated on a bed of shredded lettuce over a honey-mustard drizzle, garnished with tomato confit, orange zest around the edges, and a parsley sprig.
The contrast of course comes from the spiciness, tartness, and warmth of the jalapenos and radishes, with the sweetness and coolness of the oranges. Texture contrasted well too I think: crisp lettuce, soft oranges, and slightly chewy tomato confit.
The tomato confit was made from a peeled tomato roasted on low heat for 2 hours in olive oil, thyme, basil, garlic, white pepper.
The orange was segmented and soaked in honey for a while.
Jalapenos were deseeded and (half-length thick jullienne??) along with radishes, a bit of shallot, and a bit of garlic. The veggies were sweated in a pan with neutral oil and white wine vinegar (i cheated and used white wine + white vinegar). Then was added salt, a pinch of cumin, white pepper.
To me, it worked out well and tasted really good. I've not always been so lucky, but maybe thanks to Jacob and this site, I'm learning....
I'm interested in any opinions or suggested changes!
