
A historical salad from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Should be nicely blanched and crisp.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Take two, cut away the root, remove the dark green leaves, and pick off all the rest
wash and drain well, add a few chives
Dress with 'Mayonnaise dressing.'
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Removing the dark green outer leaves eliminates the bitter compounds (sesquiterpene lactones) that concentrate in the exposed portions of endive, leaving only the pale, blanched inner leaves with their characteristic mild, slightly sweet flavor. Washing and draining thoroughly is essential because excess water dilutes the mayonnaise and prevents it from properly coating the leaves. The chives add allium compounds that provide aromatic contrast to the rich, creamy dressing.
The endive can be trimmed, washed, and dried up to 4 hours ahead. Wrap the prepared leaves loosely in damp paper towels, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Do not dress until just before serving, as the acid in mayonnaise will wilt the leaves.
This salad does not store well once dressed. If you must hold it, keep undressed prepared endive refrigerated in damp paper towels in an airtight container for up to 4 hours. Once dressed, serve immediately as the leaves will wilt within 30 minutes.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The endive can be trimmed, washed, and dried up to 4 hours ahead. Wrap the prepared leaves loosely in damp paper towels, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Do not dress until just before serving, as the acid in mayonnaise will wilt the leaves.
This salad does not store well once dressed. If you must hold it, keep undressed prepared endive refrigerated in damp paper towels in an airtight container for up to 4 hours. Once dressed, serve immediately as the leaves will wilt within 30 minutes.