Recipes Salads Persimmon-and-Burrata Salad with Sesame Candy 2 Reviews The Fuyu persimmon that chef Helene Henderson uses in this beautiful salad is light orange and shaped like a tomato; don't confuse it with the Hachiya variety, which is a deeper orange, heart-shaped and only edible when very soft to the touch. When she can't find good persimmons, Henderson makes the salad with other seasonal fruit, like nectarines. Slideshow: More Burrata Recipes By Helene Henderson Helene Henderson Instagram Swedish-born Black American chef Helene Henderson is the founder of Malibu Farms, which she started as cooking classes and farm dinners on her property, then a pop-up series on Malibu Pier. Although still home-based in Malibu, California, her business has grown into a successful chain of restaurants with locations around the world. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 1, 2015 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: © Luis Garcia Total Time: 35 mins Yield: 8 Ingredients ½ cup sugar ⅔ cup toasted sesame seeds Salt ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons shallot (minced) Pepper 5 ounces baby arugula ½ pound burrata cheese (2 small balls drained and cut into 3/4-inch pieces) 2 Fuyu persimmons (firm, cut into 3/4-inch wedges) ½ cup pomegranate seeds Directions In a medium saucepan, cook the sugar over moderate heat, undisturbed, until melted and light golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sesame seeds and a pinch of salt and immediately scrape onto a parchment paper–lined plate. Let cool completely, then break the candy into small pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk the olive oil with the vinegar, maple syrup and shallot; season with salt and pepper. Mound the arugula on a platter and scatter the burrata, persimmons, sesame candy and pomegranate seeds on top. Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and serve, passing the remaining dressing at the table. Make Ahead The sesame candy can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Suggested Pairing A tropical-fruit-inflected California Sauvignon Blanc pair well with this crunchy salad. Rate it Print