True story: I tested this on a whim one morning earlier this month when I had 20 minutes to spare. (Or so I thought… I once again picked my kids up from preschool after lunch with wet hair and no make-up and probably mismatched socks. Ah well…) I had a few bites when I made it (mid-morning, mind you) and then ate some more of it for lunch. And I kept saying, “This was definitely better warm/room temperature.” Frantically shoveling forkfuls into my mouth. “Still good, but definitely prefer it warm, or at least not cold.” How fast can I get this in my mouth straight from the fridge? I couldn’t stop myself.
Lesson? Not clear. I loved it as soon as it was made. It was great as it sat out on the counter for a bit and I kept nibbling. And I thought it was tasty straight from the fridge, too. So here’s my plan for you: Make it for dinner and serve it that night when it’s warm. And then if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers — i.e., you didn’t tell anyone else this was stashed in the fridge so you could have it all of it for yourself — try it cold for leftovers. You may want to add some extra olive oil or lemon juice to brighten it up a bit. Also, you can always warm it up in the microwave if you like it better warm. I apparently can’t resist this farro salad at any temperature.
One final note: Do not, and I repeat, do not, walk away from the walnuts as you toast them in the pan. Every time I think I’ll just do this one quick thing, it’ll only take 10 seconds, and then 5 minutes later I remember I’m toasting nuts and yup, they’ve started to burn. Not good eats. And walnuts are expensive so I hate wasting them! My tip for you: buy in bulk! I buy mine at a warehouse store or at Trader Joe’s or a grocery store that has a bulk bin. After I open them, I store them in the freezer. They last a lot longer and you can use them straight from the freezer; they don’t require defrosting. So go make this citrus farro salad and please tell me what temperature you like it best - hot right away, warm as it cools slightly, room temperature, cold from the fridge? I can’t decide. I need your help please!
P.S. If you read my last post and were wondering, Aruba was amazing! We had a great time celebrating my husband’s birthday. Beautiful weather, beautiful water, lots of delicious seafood, lazy mornings, plenty of beach time, a bit of snorkeling. Ah, paradise. But I’m also super happy to be home and back with my little ones. Just in time to make a holiday dinner and celebrate some more! All my best to you and your loved ones this holiday! XO, Kathryn
