Alice Waters's Baked Goat Cheese with Salad

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place the rounds of goat cheese in a flat dish and add onequarter cup of the oil. Add the thyme sprigs or sprinkle with one teaspoon dried thyme. Let stand eight hours or longer.

2. Step 2

   Blend the remaining teaspoon dried thyme with the bread crumbs and set aside.

3. Step 3

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

4. Step 4

   Remove the cheese rounds and coat them all over with the breadcrumb-and-thyme mixture. Put them in an oiled baking dish and place in the oven. Bake six to 10 minutes or until cheese is lightly bubbling and golden.

5. Step 5

   Meanwhile, blend the remaining half cup of oil with the vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour this over the salad greens and toss.

6. Step 6

   Serve the cheese on warm plates surrounded by garlic toast slices. Serve with the salad.