Butter Lettuce with Poppy Seed & Tarragon Crème Fraîche Dressing Crème fraîche gives this salad a mild tanginess that marries beautifully with butter lettuce’s delicate flavor. 1 Tbs. poppy seeds 1/4 cup crème fraîche 2 Tbs. plain yogurt 2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh tarragon plus 2 Tbs. whole tarragon leaves 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 tsp. minced garlic Pinch cayenne Kosher salt 2 or 3 heads butter lettuce (about 12 oz. total), trimmed, washed, dried, and torn by hand into bite-size pieces (about 10 cups) Freshly ground black pepper Toast the poppy seeds lightly in a small skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cool plate. In a small bowl, combine the crème fraîche, yogurt, chopped tarragon, lemon juice, garlic, and poppy seeds. Stir in 1 or 2 Tbs. water to thin the mixture to a creamy salad-dressing consistency. Season with cayenne and salt to taste. Just before serving, toss the butter lettuce in a large bowl with just enough of the dressing to lightly coat the leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the salad on individual serving plates, scatter the whole tarragon leaves on the top, and serve. Back to Dinner Party or French Cooking