Grilled asparagus and Gorgonzola cheese

These succulent spears are delicious when paired with the cheese.

Ingredients:

16 fresh asparagus spears,
ends trimmed
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
51⁄2oz (150g) Gorgonzola cheese
freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Heat the barbecue or charcoal grill until hot. Cook the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes. Drain, and immediately place on the barbecue or grill. Grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes or so, brushing the spears with a little of the oil as they are cooking and turning them as they char.
2. To serve, divide the asparagus among 4 serving plates. Gently slice or crumble the Gorgonzola cheese over the asparagus. Sprinkle with black pepper, and drizzle with the remaining extra virgin olive oil.
Serve immediately.

Goat cheese, beet, and pistachio salad

A salad that offers a colorful assortment of ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 tsp coarse-grain mustard
pinch of sugar
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 handfuls of arugula (rocket) leaves
5–6oz (175g) goat cheese, cut into slices
4–6 large beets, cooked, peeled,
and coarsely chopped
handful of shelled pistachio nuts, chopped

Preparation:

1. First, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and vinegar until well blended. Whisk in the shallots, mustard, and sugar, and season well with salt and pepper. Let
the dressing stand for a few minutes to develop the flavors, then taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
2. Arrange the arugula leaves on a large serving platter or 4 individual plates, then top with the beets and goat cheese. Drizzle with a little of the dressing, then sprinkle with the pistachios. Drizzle on more dressing, if desired. Serve with fresh crusty pieces of bread.