Endive And Grape Salad With Pear Vinaigrette Recipes

Steps:

• Clean the endive with a dry paper towel and slice off the bottom to separate the leaves. Arrange the leaves around the edge of a large platter. Fill the inside with torn romaine leaves. Cut the pear into thin slices and arrange throughout the platter. Sprinkle the gorgonzola and walnuts on top and season with pepper.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the jam and balsamic vinegar and heat for several seconds until warm. Stir with a small whisk. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
• From Food Network Star: The Official Insider's Guide to America's Hottest Food Show By Ian Jackman. Copyright (c) 2011 By Food Network. By arrangement with William Morris Cookbooks/HarperCollins Publishers.

Steps:

• For the pear vinaigrette:.
• Heat the pear juice on stovetop over medium heat to reduce to 1/4 of its original amount, for 40 minutes, until caramelized. Set aside and let cool.
• In a bowl, mix the reduced pear juice, cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Slowly add the canola oil whisking constantly. Season the vinaigrette with salt, and pepper, to taste. Add a little more pear juice or water if the vinaigrette is too thick. Set aside.
• For the salad:.
• In a pan, add the olive oil and toast the pine nuts on medium-high heat. Keep an eye on them because they tend to burn fast.
• Place the endives and grapes in a bowl, add the vinaigrette and mix well. Transfer the salad mixture in the serving bowls and garnish with pears, pine nuts and cheese.
• Cook's Note:.
• Old Cheddar or Gouda can be substituted for the Mimolette.

Steps:

• If pears are fresh, they should be very ripe (dip in lemon juice immediately to prevent darkening).
• If pears are canned, drain well.
• Cut grapes in half, removing the seeds if necessary.
• Mix the cream cheese with the cream or mayonnaise.
• Place the pear, cut side down, on a plate.
• Cover the pear with the cream cheese mixture.
• Cover the surface of the pear with the grapes, placing the cut side down.
• Place a grape leaf on each salad plate.
• Place on pear decorated with grapes on each grape leaf, cut side down.
• The finished pear should resemble a bunch of grapes.
• Top with a dollop of mayonnaise if desired.