Satiating Treats

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Goat Cheese Rounds

• 2 T sesame seeds
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp finely hipped fresh thyme
• 1/4 tsp course kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 16 1/3 inch-thick rounds chilled soft fresh goat cheese (from one 11-ounce log)

Vinaigrette

• 2 T red wine vinegar
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 5 T extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse kosher salt

Salad

• 1 lb baby new potatoes (halved)
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/3 C packed small fresh basil leaves
• 12 ounces assorted small tomatoes
• 1/2 C black olives (nicoise)

Directions:

1. Line baking sheet with waxed paper.
2. Mix first 6 ingredients in shallow bowl.
3. Dip cut sides of goat cheese rounds into spice mixture to coat.
4. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Chill until ready to serve.
6. Whisk first four ingredients (from vinaigrette) in small bowl.
7. Gradually whisk in olive oil.
8. Season with coarse salt and pepper.
9. For salad, steam potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes.
10. Transfer to plate; cool.  Steam green beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
11. Rinse under cold water; drain.  Pat dry with paper towels.
12. Combine green beans and basil in large bowl.
13. Add enough vinaigrette to coat lightly, toss.
14. Arrange on large platter.  Add potatoes and green beans to same large bowl.
15. Add remaining dressing and toss.
16. Arrange potatoes and beans atop greens.
17. Scatter tomatoes and olives over.  Surround with goat cheese rounds.

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