Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1 TBS fresh thyme, finely minced
• 11 oz soft fresh goat cheese, cut into 8 rounds
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 TBS plus 3/4 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 TBS Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 8 cups mixed greens
• 3 TBS olive oil
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Mix breadcrumbs and thyme on waxed paper. Season goat cheese rounds with salt and pepper. Dip cheese into beaten egg, then into breadcrumbs, coating thoroughly. Place on a rack, cover and refrigerate until ready to use (up to 6 hours).

Whisk vinegar and mustard in small bowl until blended. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. Heat 3 TBS olive oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Add walnuts and sauté just until lightly toasted. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add cheese rounds and cook just until crisp and brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Toss greens with dressing to coat; divide among four plates. Place two cheese rounds on each salad, and garnish with walnuts. 4 servings.