Apple and Fennel Salad

Serves 4 to 6

Apples combine with the delicate licorice flavor of fennel to make this deliciously refreshing salad that I learned while visiting friends who had a small farm near  the village of La Chenau, not far from Gruyere of cheese fame. 

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2  teaspoon sugar
  • A dash or two of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sweet and hot brown mustard
  • 1 head of fennel, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 3 or 4 crisp green apple, cored and chopped but not peeled
  • 1 sweet purple onion, cut into thin rings and the rings quartered
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, mined
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill weed, minced
  • 2 to 3 cup of fresh baby spinach or torn romaine or a combination there of

Fresh coarse ground black pepper to tastePut the first five ingredients in the bottom of a large salad bowl and blend well.  Add the remaining in ingredients except spinach or romaine and toss well.  Chill.  Place the greens on a serving plate and pile the chilled salad on top of them.  Drizzle any dressing that may remain in the bowl over all.  Add pepper to taste.  Serve chilled.