Fried Pont l'Eveque Salad with Walnut Oil Dressing (Emeril Lagasse) Recipe

Directions:

1. In a large saute pan or medium pot, preheat 2-inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Essence in another shallow bowl. Beat the egg in a third bowl. In batches, dip the cheese cubes into the flour, then the beaten egg, then into the bread crumbs, shaking to remove any excess. Place on a plate and freeze until very cold, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove from the freezer and fry in the oil until golden brown and crisp, 20 to 30 seconds. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and garlic. Add the walnut oil, then the olive oil, in a steady stream, whisking constantly to form an emulsion. Add the shallots and salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the lettuces and baby parsley sprigs, and divide among 4 salad plates. Garnish each plate with 4 apple slices.
5. Top each salad with fried cheese cubes and garnish with a sprinkling of walnuts. Serve immediately with French bread.
6. Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
7. Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
8. Yield: about 2/3 cup
9. Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking , by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.