Pear Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Salad Ingredients

§  Mesclun greens, 4-6 cups

§  2 pears, peeled (toss with some lemon juice to keep them from discoloring)

§  1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion rings, halved

§  1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

§  2/3 cup Maple Candied Walnuts or Pecans (in a pinch, just toast some nuts), roughly chopped

Maple Candied Walnuts or Pecans

§  1 tablespoon butter

§  1 tablespoon maple syrup

§  pepper to taste

§  1/2 cup pecan or walnut halves

Preparation

1.    Melt the butter in a pan

2.    Mix in the maple syrup and pepper

3.    Add the pecans and toss to coat

4.    Cook on medium low heat about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

5.    Turn out on aluminum foil and let cool for 5 minutes.

Nordstrom Champagne Vinaigrette

§  1 tablespoon chopped shallot

§  1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

§  2 tablespoons sugar

§  1 teaspoon minced garlic

§  1/2 cup Champagne wine vinegar

§  1 1/2 cups salad oil

§  3/4 teaspoon salt

§  1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For dressing, mix all ingredients in bowl using wire whisk. Place greens on individual plates. Sprinkle pears, nuts and gorgonzola on top of salad greens. Drizzle dressing over salad or serve on the side to suit individual tastes. Beautiful and delicious.

Serves 4-6