5-Grain Salad with Arugula & Grilled Apples

COOKING IS SIMPLE!

1 small shallot, minced
1tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1 medium canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 granny smith apple, cut into 12 wedges
4 cups Path of Life 5-Grain Blend, cooked according to package directions and cooled completely
6 cups arugula
1 pkg (4 oz/2 medallions) French-style goat cheese medallions, cut in half crosswise
8-10 medium strawberries, cut into quarters
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine shallot, thyme, apricot preserves, vinegar, chipotle pepper and salt in a small mixing bowl. Whisk well. Slowly add oils while whisking. Set aside.
Heat a grill pan or French grill over medium-high heat until hot. Grill apples, cut side down. 20-30 seconds per side or until grill marks appear. Set aside.
Place cheese medallions on a small sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake cheese 4-6 minutes or until warm and soft in the middle. Meanwhile, combine 5-Grain Blend, arugula and 1/3 cup of the dressing in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well and divide among four serving plates. Top each plate with apples, strawberries and almonds. Top each salad with a cheese medallion and drizzle remaining dressing around edges of plates. Serve immediately.

Feeds: 4