
Autumn Salad with Beetroot, Apple, and Goat Cheese
Serves: 2-4
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 60-65 minutes

Ingredients
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) pearl barley
- 2 to 3 medium red beets
- 2 to 3 medium yellow beets
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 soft goat cheese log
Dressing:
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) La Belle Excuse Extra Virgin Green Olive Oil
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) La Belle Excuse Fig Balsamic Vinegar
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) La Belle Excuse Old-Fashioned Mustard Roasted Fennel and Pink Peppercorn
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the beets and coat them with a drizzle of olive oil. Lightly salt.
- Wrap the red and yellow beets separately in aluminum foil (or parchment). Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 1 hour, or until tender.
- Let cool, then gently rub the skins off with your fingers. Cut into wedges.
- In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pearl barley and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) of water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and the barley is tender. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, combine the mustard, fig balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Add the chives. Salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm barley, beet wedges, and apples.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Crumble the goat cheese over the salad. Serve warm or cold with toasted bread or croutons.