Ensalada De Boquerones

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Shallot oil: In a small baking pan place whole shallots and add all olive oil. Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Remove shallots from oil, peel and julienne them. Reserve 3/4 cup shallots and 1/2 cup oil.

In a food processor, combine vinegar, beet juice and roasted shallots. With a steady stream, add 1/2 cup roasted shallot oil then add salt and pepper to taste and set dressing aside.

In a mixing bowl combine boquerones, carrots, peppers and scallions. Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter then place the boquerones mixture on top and pour 3 ounces of the dressing around the plate and on top of the salad.

This recipe yields 4 servings.