Preheat the oven to 180˚C. To make the dressing, place the mustard in a bowl. Add the white wine vinegar and the lemon juice and whisk to combine. Add the sugar and salt and stir to dissolve. Lastly add the crème fraiche and stir through well. Place the pecan nuts on a baking tray and drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with the rub of your choice and place in the oven. Roast for 3 – 5 minutes watching carefully as they can burn very quickly.
Meanwhile, place the sugar in a small saucepan and allow to caramelize over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has dissolved and caramelized, pour over the roasted nuts and allow to cool. Once cooled, chop roughly. Place the baby gem halves on a large serving platter, or if you are plating individually, place 2 halves onto serving plates or bowls. Layer the cucumber and cheese loosely on top of the lettuce. Drizzle generously with crème fraiche dressing and sprinkle with spiced caramelized pecans.
Serves: 4
Tip: Baby Cos lettuce is also perfect. You can substitute the gorgonzola for your favourite blue cheese such as Roquefort or Stilton.
Wine suggestions
This is a spicy Summer salad and needs something light. I am a great fan of the new complex Rosés being produced (Rosé is the new Chardonnay) One of my favourites is the lightest rosy-hued one on the market made by Waterford Estate called Pecan Stream Rose-Mary. Try it just for its clean white label and its quaint name.
