The Waldorf Astoria's Waldorf Salad with Truffles and Candied Walnuts

Note from Cheri: The recipe, text and photo below are reprinted with permission from The Waldorf Astoria Cookbook by John Doherty with John Harrisson (2006 Bullfinch Press). Perhaps no New York City property conjures images of luxury, elegance and history as much as the famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Since the 1890s the Waldorf Astoria has been one of a handful of the world's greatest hotels, continually serving as the "home away from home" of royalty, international dignitaries, celebrities and the world's most important movers and shakers. Anyone who knows and loves the hotel will want this book as a souvenir -- it's beautifully produced, filled with full color photography and insightful essays on the hotel;s history and innovations. If you've ever dined (or if you haven't) at the hotel, you can now recreate many of its most famous dishes with the recipes in this book. Click here to learn more about this elegant cookbook and for more authentic Waldorf Astoria recipes.

It may not surprise you to hear that this is the single most frequently requested recipe at the Waldorf-Astoria from people around the world. There is just one tiny problem—I can't bring myself to eat the original version of apples and mayonnaise, which dates back to the 189Os and the early days of the original Waldorf Hotel (the walnuts were added a bit later). It may have been fashionable once, but most people these days steer a wide berth around mayonnaise in a salad. On top of that, other people's versions were often made incorrectly. Our recipe has been a little revamped over the years, and this is my favorite version—it is light, refreshing, and the truffles give it that special touch. In fact, it is more popular now than it has ever been; we serve it at Oscar's American Brasserie, on our Room Service menu, at Bull and Bear, and for special events. Oh, and by the way (I am often asked), I now actually like it!

For the Candied Walnuts: 2 quarts vegetable oil 2 cups apple juice 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup dark molasses 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 cups walnut halves For the Dressing: 1/2 cup crème fraîche 1/2 cup plain yogurt 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup walnut oil salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste 1 1/2 tablespoons minced black winter truffles For the Waldorf Salad: 2 large Granny Smith apples (unpeeled) 2 large Gala apples (or Braeburn, Empire, or other crisp red apples), unpeeled 1/2 cup peeled and julienned celeriac 1/2 cup celery leaves (from 1 bunch celery)

Serves 8 To Prepare the Candied Walnuts: Pour the oil into a large saucepan and set over medium-low heat until a thermometer reads 375°F. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan set over medium heat, warm the apple juice, honey, molasses, and maple syrup. Bring to a strong simmer, add the walnuts, then turn the heat to medium low. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and strain the nuts, discarding the liquid. Carefully add the nuts to the hot oil in batches and fry for about 20 seconds, or until they are mahogany in color; be careful not to overfry the nuts, as they will burn quickly. Remove the nuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and spread out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. When room temperature, chop the walnuts. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To Prepare the Dressing: Combine the cræme fraîche, yogurt, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the walnut oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold in half of the truffles. To Prepare the Salad: Using a mandoline on the fine comb setting, julienne the Granny Smith and Gala apples into matchstick-size strips, being careful to avoid the seeds in the core; transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the julienned celeriac to the apples. Gently fold the dressing into the apple mixture until well combined. Divide the salad between chilled serving plates and garnish the top of each salad with some celery leaves and the remaining truffles. Scatter the candied walnuts around each plate. Wine Recommendation: Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (rich, with lemon zest and grapefruit tones and a balanced finish). Chef's Notes: At the Waldorf, we have successfully paired this famous salad with game dishes such as venison or smoked duck breast with black currant sauce, as well as roasted chicken and Veal Oscar. Celeriac is the root of the celery plant. If unavailable, you may substitute regular peeled celery. The nuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. For a shortcut, use store-bought candied walnuts.