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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Roasted Pear-Spinach Salad

                                Start to finish : 1  hour
1  tsp. butter
2  firm-ripe pears
1  1/2  tsp. sugar
1/2  cup sliced almonds
1  cup dried cranberries
8  slices ciabatta bread
3 oz.  blue cheese
1/3  cup cider vinegar
2   tbsap. pomegranate molasses  or honey
1  Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6  oz. baby spinach
1) preheat oven to 450*F
Grease baking sheet with butter , Core pears and cut  each into 8" wedges  ; toss with sugar  and place on baking sheet , cut sides down . Bake 15 minutes until brown on the undersides . Tranfer to wax paper to cool.
2) Place almonds on top ungreased baking sheet  and toast 3 to 5 minutes . Tranfer to a bowl . Stir in half of the cranberries  and sat aside.
3) Reduce oven to 400*f  ; Cut each slice of bread in half . Brush each side with a little olive oil   and toast on  baking sheet  3 minutes  on each side. remove from oven ; crumble cheese  and divide among roasts . Return to oven and bake 4 to 5 minutes  more.
4) Meanwhile , in blender combine remaining cranberries , the vinegar , molasses and mustard . Blend until smooth . Season with salt and pepper . With blender running  , add 1/3 cup  oil in a slow , steady stream.
5) In bowl toss together the spinach , half the almond mixture  and vinaigrette to taste . Divide  spinach among tumblers  ; top with pears , toasts and additional almond mixture .  Serve immediately . Makes 8 to 10 appetizer serving.
Hints 
Stay simple : Tumblers are a fun way to serve the pear and blue cheese  salad.
Create a look : I like to use lots of small votive candles on the table when entertaining a small group .
Make it a main  : To turn the salad into an entree , add grilled chicken or salmon and serve it either on a buffet or on  individual plates.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Honey, I sent you an IM but I know you don't usually get them. So I will leave a message here and try to email you also.

    I'm not too chipper tonight. Got very tired around 8 and decided to go to bed early.But I will be back tomorrow, firing on all pistons. This recipe looks very yummy.
    See you tomorrow when the mosquitos come out....LUV YA>>>HUGS>>>PIC

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Cutie ...got your e-mail and sent you one back , no message on IM .
    Hope you feel better , rest and a lot of liquids ..a little brandy or whatever you have on hand in your tea , it will help you rest.
    Get well and I will always be here .
    HUGS & KISSES..LUV Ya...PIC

    PS: it is good and easy .

    ReplyDelete

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