While browsing a recent issue of House Beautiful magazine, I came across a recipe for a Tuscan kale salad topped with pears and amaretti cookies. Cookies? On a salad? I laughed a little and thought it sounded like something the new Cookie Monster might concoct. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but apparently in recent years they’ve given him a bit of a “healthy makeover” (as you can read more about in this article).
Intrigued by the salad, I set out to make it. After picking up the cookies at World Market, I headed to the grocery store. Unfortunately, only the more ordinary curly kale was available, but I decided to proceed anyway. I adjusted the proportions slightly, but here’s my adapted version for two people as a generous side salad portion.
Kale Salad with Pears, Pecorino, & Amaretti
- 4 oz. Kale
- 1/2 of an anjou pear, shaved or very thinly sliced
- 4 amaretti cookies, crushed
- 1 tablespoon good olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Grated Pecorino Romano, Salt, & Pepper
Rinse and dry kale. Remove stems and tear into pieces. Then, place into salad bowl. Top with pears and cookie crumbs. Add oil and vinegar and toss very well so all leaves are coated. Grate cheese onto salad (I used my microplane grater and covered the bowl with a thin layer) and season with salt and pepper.
We thought it was really good and easy! Plus, it’s something different, which is always a plus. I will look forward to trying this again when I can find the recommended Tuscan kale.
city food. country kitchen. 
I saw this recipe in House Beautiful too. Found the cookies at World Market as well. Surprisingly delicious and very pleasant tasting. Will definitely do it again. Glad you posted it.