Daily menu, November 8: pear and parmesan salad, Korean japchae and playful apple boats

Sunday 8 November 2026 15:00 - Juliette Hess
Daily menu, November 8: pear and parmesan salad, Korean japchae and playful apple boats

This daily menu brings together crisp fruit, savory greens and comforting noodles for a meal with plenty of contrast. Begin with rocket, spinach, pear and parmesan salad, where peppery leaves and sweet pear meet a fragrant pear dressing. Its fresh, bright character makes an inviting opening before the richer, warmer flavors of the main dish.

For the centerpiece, Korean japchae combines sweet potato starch noodles with Napa cabbage, leafy greens, carrots and mushroom, seasoned with soy, sesame, garlic and ginger. The result is a colorful noodle stir-fry that gives the menu a satisfying savory heart. To finish, Apple boats turn apple and peach wedges into a simple, playful dessert with cheese triangles secured like little sails. Together, these three dishes make a varied lunch or dinner that moves from crisp salad to savory noodles and a fresh-fruit finale.

Peppery greens with pear and parmesan

This starter balances the lively bite of wild rocket and tender baby spinach with thin slices of Bosc pear and shaved parmesan. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil keeps the salad simple, while the pear dressing brings a more aromatic, sweet-and-tangy note from pear, ginger, cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, sugar and white vinegar. Serve the leaves freshly dressed so their delicate texture remains prominent. It is a bright, fruit-forward opening that sets up the savory noodle dish without overwhelming it.
Rocket, spinach, pear and parmesan saladRecipe Rocket, spinach, pear and parmesan salad

For the dressing, place ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until pears are tender and liquid becomes a glaze.

Korean japchae with sweet potato starch noodles

This japchae brings together springy sweet potato starch noodles and finely sliced vegetables for a colorful Korean-inspired main dish. Napa cabbage, leafy greens, shredded carrots and portobello mushroom add varied textures, while soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, white pepper and sea salt season the noodles. Garlic, ginger and green onions complete the savory flavor profile. Blanch the cabbage and greens, then toss the prepared noodles with their seasoning and vegetables as described. It makes a satisfying centerpiece after the fresh pear and parmesan salad.
Japchae - korean sweet potato starch noodles salad/stir-fryRecipe Japchae - korean sweet potato starch noodles salad/stir-fry

(A) Boil the glass noodles then toss them in seasonings (see below Noodle Seasoning), set aside.

Playful apple boats with peach and cheese

Apple boats are a simple, hands-on dessert made from apple and peach wedges, cheese triangles and toothpicks. The fruit provides crisp and juicy bites, while the cheese adds a savory contrast; toothpicks turn the pieces into playful little boats. With no elaborate preparation described, this is an easy way to bring a light, fruit-led finish to the meal. It can also be a fun activity for children to help assemble. Arrange the wedges and cheese sails just before serving for an appealing dessert platter.
Apple boatsRecipe Apple boats

Stick the cheese triangles into the toothpick, stick the toothpicks into the fruit wedges. Couldn't be simpler! A fantastic way to get the kids excited about real food.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the salad dressing distinctive?
It combines chopped Bosc pears and white vinegar with ginger, cardamom, star anise and cinnamon for a fragrant, sweet-and-tangy dressing.

How should I prepare the japchae noodles?
Cook the sweet potato starch noodles according to their package instructions, then toss them with the listed soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, white pepper and sea salt.

Which vegetables go into the japchae?
The recipe includes Napa cabbage, leafy greens, shredded carrots and portobello mushroom, along with green onions, garlic and ginger.

What are Apple boats?
They are apple and peach wedges with cheese triangles attached to toothpicks to resemble little boats.

Can children help make Apple boats?
Yes. Children can help assemble the fruit wedges and cheese sails, with an adult handling any cutting and supervising toothpicks.

Can I vary the fruit or cheese in Apple boats?
The provided recipe uses apples, peaches and cheese; its serving idea also allows for other fruit or cheese choices to suit your preference.

Shopping list for the complete menu

Rocket, spinach, pear and parmesan salad
  • 100 g wild rocket
  • 80 g baby spinach
  • 60 g shaved parmesan
  • 1 Bosc pear, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 Bosc pears, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 20 g fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 250 ml white vinegar
Japchae - korean sweet potato starch noodles salad/stir-fry
  • 4 oz sweet potato starch noodles
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1–2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 5–6 leaves Napa cabbage
  • A handful of leafy greens
  • 2 small carrots
  • 1 portobello mushroom cap
  • 1 tablespoon green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 slices of ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Apple boats
  • Apples, cut into wedges
  • Peaches, cut into wedges
  • Cheese, cut into triangles
  • Toothpicks
Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I have been creating culinary content for Petitchef since 2017.
I love travelling and discovering new dishes, trying out new food trends and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a huge fan of pasta and noodles in all their forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking them and even making them from scratch!
I’m currently preparing, filming and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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