Pear Walnut And Bleu Cheese Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing From Nordstroms Cafe Recipe 485

Steps:

• To Make Candied Walnuts: Melt the butter in a pan Mix in the maple syrup and pepper Add the pecans and toss to coat Cook on medium low heat about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Turn out on aluminum foil and let cool for 5 minutes; break apart if necessary. To Make either Dressing: Mix all ingredients in bowl using wire whisk. Place greens on individual plates. Sprinkle chopped 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.

Steps:

• Place the salad greens in a large bowl. Add the red onion, pear, pecans, and blue cheese, and toss to mix evenly.
• To make the dressing, place the maple syrup, vinegar, mayonnaise, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a blender, and blend thoroughly. With the motor running, slowly pour in the walnut oil. Blend until mixture becomes creamy, about 1 minute. Pour over salad mixture, and toss to coat greens evenly. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Place spinach on a large platter. Top with blue cheese and walnuts. Warm maple syrup in a small saucepan. Pour vinegar into a small bowl. Whisk oil into vinegar in a slow stream. Whisk maple syrup into dressing in a slow stream. Pour dressing down over the salad platter and serve. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix all salad ingredients.
• In tightly covered container, shake all vinaigrette ingredients until well blended. Add to salad; toss to mix.

Steps:

• Halve and core the pears. Slice thin, brush with lemon juice to prevent browning. This may be done up to 60 minutes ahead.
• To arrange the salads: line plates with salad greens.
• Fan pear slices atop each serving.
• Sprinkle with some blue cheese and candied nuts.
• Drizzle with dressing. Serve extra on the side.
• CANDIED WALNUTS / PECANS.
• Line a baking sheet with foil. Butter or spray with a nonstick oil.
• In a heavy skillet, over medium heat, combine: 1 C walnuts, 1/2 C sugar and 2 T butter.
• Cook until sugar starts to melt, DO NOT stir. Reduce heat to low and cook 'til sugar is golden brown. Stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and pour onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break into clusters.
• PEAR NECTAR VINAIGRETTE.
• In a screw top jar, combine:
• white wine vinegar, oil, pear nectar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper.
• Cover and shake well.
• Store in refrigerator for up to one week.
• Shake before serving.
• Makes about 1°C.