Chef Dons Candied Cashew And Pear Salad Food

CASHEW-PEAR TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, pear and cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

CANDIED CASHEWS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the cashews on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Toast the cashews for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to watch the cashews carefully so they don't burn! Remove the cashews from the oven and cool. In a saucepan (copper works best), add the sugar and the water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling and the sugar has dissolved, add the cashews. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly. The sugar will thicken, and then become granular again, continue stirring. The sugar will then begin to turn back into a clear liquid. When all of the sugar has turned into a clear liquid, remove the pan from the heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar begins to turn a golden color, spoon the nuts onto a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Allow to cool.;

CASHEW-PEAR TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• In a large salad bowl,combine the romaine,Swiss cheese,cashews,pears and cranberries.
• In a jar with a tight-fitting lid,combine the vinaigrette ingredients;shake well.
• Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

CHEF DON'S CANDIED CASHEW AND PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• 2. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar is melted; stirring is not necessary.
• 3. Add cashews and stir until well coated with sugar. Spread onto prepared baking sheet; cool to room temperature. Set aside.
• 4. Process raspberries, vinegar and olive oil in a blender until smooth; set aside.
• 5. Toss romaine, spinach, pears, cherries and feta cheese together in a large bowl. Pour raspberry dressing on top and toss gently to combine. Divide salad evenly among 8 serving plates. Top with cashews.

CANDIED CASHEW AND PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the sugar and cinnamon into a saucepan. Melt the sugar over medium heat without stirring. Add the cashews, and stir until well coated, then spread out onto the prepared baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
• Puree the raspberries, vinegar, and olive oil until smooth; set aside. Toss together the romaine, spinach, pears, cherries, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Toss with half of the raspberry dressing, and sprinkle with candied cashews. Serve with remaining dressing on the side.

CANDIED PECAN PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• In a small heavy skillet, melt butter. Add pecans; cook over medium heat until toasted, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon; cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until sugar is melted. Spread on foil to cool., For dressing, in a blender, combine 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. , Cut pear into thin slices; sprinkle with lemon juice. In a salad bowl, combine the greens, pears, blue cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CANDIED CASHEWS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300F (you can prepare your cashews several days ahead).
• In a small saucepan, mix together cashews, sugar, and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
• Cook and stir for about 15 minutes, or until mixture crystallizes.
• Spread the cashews onto parchment paper on a baking sheet (season with salt now if needed).
• Bake 15 minutes, then stir mixture.
• Bake 15 minutes more, then cool cashews before storing in an airtight container (until needed).
• Place spinach into salad bowl.
• Top with hard cooked eggs, mushrooms, dried fruit, and candied cashews.
• Juice the lemon.
• Whisk together the lemon juice, salt, pepper, dijon mustard, and sugar, adjusting sugar to taste.
• Slowly add olive oil and whisk until dressing emulsifies.
• Serve dressing over salad as desired.

CURRIED CASHEW, PEAR, AND GRAPE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast cashews until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove cashews to a dish to cool slightly.
• Return skillet to medium-high heat, cook bacon strips until crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, and soak up grease with a paper towel. Coarsely chop bacon, and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, stir together butter, rosemary, curry powder, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and toasted cashews. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, stir together white wine vinegar, mustard, and honey. Slowly whisk in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a large salad bowl, toss dressing with greens, pear slices, grapes, and bacon, and sprinkle with nut mixture.