Happy Holidays Chard Salad

Ingredients

Chard

• 1
  
  small red onion, diced
  
• 1/2
  
  cup lemon juice
  
• 1/3
  
  cup olive oil
  
• 
  
  salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1
  
  bunch Swiss chard
  
• 1
  
  pomegranate, seeded
  
• 1
  
  cup candied (or toasted) pecans (see recipe below)
  

Candied Pecans

• 1/4
  
  cup butter
  
• 1/4
  
  cup brown sugar
  
• 1
  
  cup pecans
  

Directions

Chard

1. Bring about a quart of water to a boil. Put the diced red onions in a large bowl and cover them with the hot water for about 5 minutes. This will take some of the sharpness off of the onions. Drain well.
2. While the onions are steeping, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. As soon as you’ve drained the onions (and they’re still warm) add the onions. Let the onions steep in the dressing while you complete the salad — this will give the onions a pickle-y brightness.
3. Clean and stem the chard. Cut the chard into chiffonade (thin ribbons) by rolling the stemmed halves of the leaves into a long, skinny roll and slicing about a 1/4-inch slices from the end. Note that you can also use the thinner, less fibrous ends of the chard stems, too. If you have rainbow chard, this will add even more colorful zing to your salad. Dice the stems and discard the tough ends.
4. Toss the chard, pomegranate, and pecans in a large salad bowl. Toss the dressing with the salad. I think it’s best to let the salad rest for about an hour in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld a little.

Candied Pecans

1. Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pan and then add the brown sugar. Allow to cook for a bout one minute, stirring slightly. Add the pecans and stir for about 1 minute more. Pour the whole mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper (or better yet, a SIlpat). Separate the pecans and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes to an hour.