Escarole Salad with Apples, Candied Walnuts, and Saint André Cheese

Skip the wine—this salad is perfect with a Belgian ale. Saint Andréis a soft, ripened cheese much like Brie or Camembert. Either cheese would make a good substitute.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 Granny Smith apple, cored, cut into 1/3-inch-thick wedges
1/2 cup walnut halves
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons chopped shallots
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 8-ounce head of escarole, cut into 3/4-inch-thick strips (6 cups packed)
1 cup thinly sliced radicchio
2 1/2-inch-thick slices Saint André cheese

Preparation:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add apple wedges; cook until beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Divide among plates. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and walnuts to skillet; stir 1 minute. Sprinkle walnuts with sugar; stir until walnuts and sauce are deep brown, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer walnuts to small bowl. Add shallots to skillet; stir until soft, 10 to 15 seconds. Stir in vinegar, then add escarole and radicchio to skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Mound salad on plates alongside apples. Top with cheese and walnuts.