Frisée Salad with Poached Eggs

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

   Step 2

   Spread 3 tablespoons of oil with a brush on both sides of bread and season with salt and pepper. Cut each slice into cubes and bake croutons on a baking sheet in middle of oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

   Step 3

   In a saucepan boil salt pork in cold water to cover for 2 minutes and drain in a colander. Rinse salt pork under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over moderate heat and in it cook salt pork, stirring frequently, until browned. Remove salt pork with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

   Step 4

   Pour 1/2 cup fat from skillet into a small bowl and whisk in shallots, white-wine vinegar, tarragon, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste until dressing is combined well.

   Step 5

   Fill a wide skillet with 2 inches water and add distilled vinegar. Bring liquid to a rolling boil over high heat and reduce heat to a bare simmer. Poach eggs, 3 at a time, by breaking each one into a saucer and sliding it into the water. As each egg goes in, push white back immediately toward yolk with a large slotted spoon, moving egg gently, and simmer 3 minutes. Drain eggs separately in slotted spoon, blot carefully with paper towels, and trim ragged edges of whites.

   Step 6

   In a large bowl toss together frisée, dressing, salt pork, and croutons. Divide salad among 6 plates and top with poached eggs.