Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad with Vanilla Bean Oil

Ingredients

3 vanilla beans, split and scraped
4 cups light olive oil
1 log goat cheese, about 10 ounces
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 pound arugula leaves, washed and spun-dry
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small saucepan over low heat, heat vanilla beans and olive oil very slowly until hot and vanilla is aromatic. Cool, strain, and store refrigerated.

Using either dental floss or a knife dipped in warm water, divide goat cheese log into 8 medallions. Carefully roll in chopped pecans to coat, pressing nuts into cheese so that they adhere. Set aside until ready to assemble the salads.

In a large bowl toss arugula with 3 ounces of the vanilla bean oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish each serving with one pecan-crusted goat cheese medallion.

Yield: 8 servings