1/2 pound mixed salad greens

Dried Cherry Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup olive oil

2 shallots, finely chopped

1/3 cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

1/4 cup pitted dried cherries

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 pound fresh goat cheese, crumbled

1. Trim the mushroom stems. Remove the black gills on the underside of the mushroom cap by scraping with the edge of a teaspoon. The gills need to be removed so their dark color and juices will not leach into the salad. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the mushroom caps in a single layer in a shallow nonaluminum dish and pour the vinegar marinade over the mushrooms. Cover and let stand for 1 hour, turning the caps after 30 minutes.

3. Place the salad greens in a large salad bowl and set aside.

4. Lightly oil a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the mushrooms from the marinade, place on the hot grill, and use a skillet or other weight to press down on the mushrooms. Sear the mushrooms for 2 minutes on each side, or until tender. Transfer the mushrooms to a cutting board, slice thinly, and add to the lettuce.

5. Prepare the vinaigrette: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute for about 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the vinegar and boil for 1 minute. Add the dried cherries, salt and pepper, and heat through for 1 minute longer. Taste for seasoning.

6. To serve, pour the hot vinaigrette over the lettuce and mushrooms and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

7. Arrange the lettuce and mushrooms on individual plates and sprinkle the goat cheese evenly over the tops. Serve immediately.

Advance Preparation: Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead through step 3, covered, and refrigerated. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before continuing.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)