4 servings

• 2 heads of little gems
• 2 slices of sourdough cut or torn into pieces
• 5oz of fresh english peas, blanched
• 5oz of sugar snap peas thinly sliced
• 8oz fresh asparagus thinly sliced
• 8 large medjool dates cut into pieces and charred on cast iron
• 1 shallot thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup finely grated pecorino
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1/4 cup mint
• 3/4 cup crème fraiche
• 1/4 cup Wonder Valley Olio Nuevo
• 1 tbsp Lindera Farms ramp vinegar (or any of your choice)
• Lemon zest + maldon salt + pepper to dress

Option: To make this more of a main dish or a filling lunch, add a tin of your favorite smoked fish. My favorite right now is Fishwife smoked salmon or FANGST smoked trout.

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

1. Start by heating up your cast iron skillet and adding a healthy amount of Wonder Valley Olive Oil. Cut 2 slices of your favorite day old sourdough and tear into uneven pieces. Add flaky salt and roast on medium low for 2-5 minutes or until edges are golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Cut your medjool dates in half and use the same pan to char your dates till they smell caramelized and slightly burnt. 2-5 minutes on medium low. Set aside to cool.

3. Using a sharp knife, trim and slice sugar snap peas lengthwise into julienne pieces. Do the same with the asparagus, shallot and your fresh herbs.

4. Cut the stems of lettuce heads, separate the leaves and rinse using a strainer.

5. To blanch your peas, bring a pot of water to boil and add peas to boiling water for 60-90 seconds. Remove from heat and strain. Add peas to an ice bath for 5 minutes to prevent them from getting mushy.

6. Grab your favorite salad plate and start assembling your salad. Using a tablespoon or spatula spread an even layer of crème fraiche on the bottom of your plate. Add your little gems followed by sugar snaps, asparagus, sourdough croutons and peas. Top with charred dates, mint, cilantro, shallot and pecorino. Using a spoon, drizzle dressing evenly over your salad. Season with maldon salt and freshly ground pepper.