Mixed Baby Greens with Aniseed Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese Crostini

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a blender chop shallot, garlic, peppercorns, and aniseed. Add vinegar and salt and pepper to taste and blend well. With motor running, add oil in a stream and blend dressing until emulsified. The vinaigrette may be made 1 week in advance and kept covered and chilled. In a large bowl toss greens with vinaigrette until coated well.

   Step 2

   Divide salad among 4 plates and serve with goat cheese crostini.

2. To make goat cheese crostini:

   Step 3

   In a small bowl stir together goat cheese, chives, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well. Goat cheese mixture may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.

3. Step 4

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

   Step 5

   Toast bread on a baking sheet in middle of oven until golden, about 10 minutes. The toasts may be made 2 days in advance, cooled, and kept in an airtight container.

   Step 6

   Preheat boiler.

   Step 7

   Spread goat cheese mixture on toasts and sprinkle with Parmesan. Broil crostini on the baking sheet 2 inches from heat until cheese is browned in spots, about 2 minutes.