Fall Salad With Spicy Brittle Food

FALL SALAD

Steps:

• To make the candied pecans, set a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the butter and sugar and once it has melted toss in the pecans and continue to toss to coat and cook evenly, about 1 minute. Transfer to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper (use 2 forks to separate pecans) while you prepare the salad.
• Make the dressing by combining the chopped shallot, Dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• Assemble salad by tossing greens and pear slices in a large mixing bowl with maple-balsamic dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and candied pecans.

NUT AND SEED BRITTLE

Steps:

• Toast the seeds and almonds in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the pan once during the process.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Heat the sugar, corn syrup, butter and water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar has melted. Stop stirring and allow the sugar to cook until it reaches 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer -- swirl the pan occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly, about 10 minutes.
• Carefully, but moving quickly, stir in the toasted seeds and nuts until everything is coated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet, trying to disperse it as evenly as possible and using the back of a spoon as needed. Sprinkle over the sea salt and allow to cool completely, 1 1/2 hours.
• Break the brittle into shards of desired size and store in an airtight container or pack into clear bags and tie with ribbon.