Avocado and Hearts of Palm Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing

“Hearts of palm are a delicacy from the inner portion of the palmetto (palm) tree. In Florida they sometimes can be found fresh; otherwise, they are sold canned, packed in water, at most supermarkets. Their mild flavor resembles artichoke.”

This sounds good. I have always liked Hearts of Palm from my vacations in Florida. I picked up a couple of cans from you know where – the dented can store!

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon minced peeled gingerroot

1/2 teaspoon sugar
Several dashes of your favorite red hot sauce
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
lettuce leaves for lining plates
2 ripe avocados
1 (14 oz.) can hearts of palm, drained and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted

In a bowl whisk together lime juice, gingerroot, sugar, hot sauce and salt to taste.

Add oil in a stream, whisking until dressing is combined well.
Line 4 salad plates with lettuce.

Halve avocados and discard pits. Peel and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Arrange avocado slices, overlapping, on lettuce and top with hearts of palm.

Drizzle salad with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serves: 4.

Adapted from: Gourmet's Quick Kitchen; Gourmet magazine; Condé Nast Books, Random House; 1996.