Grilled Pears With Candied Pecans Over Mixed Greens Food

BONNIE'S GRILLED PEARS AND MIXED GREENS FALL SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the grill on low heat. Wash the greens and drain. This recipe serves two. Mix the dressing by whisking together the vinegar and honey. Add the olive oil in a thin stream whisking it constantly and then add the salt and pepper to taste. Use as much or less to your taste when serving. Choose ripe but firm pears for this dish. Peel and core the pears. Brush the pear halves with the olive oil (vegetable oil is okay) Grill on both sides until just soft. About 5 minutes each side. Place greens individual in two large bowls, and add the mixed greens. Add the grilled pears, blue cheese and pecans to the top of the mixed greens and drizzle with the dressing. Enjoy!

GRILLED PEARS

Steps:

• Spray a grill safe baking dish with cooking spray.
• Cut pears in half from the top and remove seed.
• Place face down in baking dish and cover with remaining ingredients.
• Cover and place on preheated grill for about 15 minutes.

CANDIED PECANS, GORGONZOLA AND PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• 1. CANDIED PECANS: 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.
• 2. TO MAKE EITHER DRESSING: Mix all ingredients in bowl using a wire whisk. Place greens on individual plates. Sprinkle red onion, 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.
• 3. If serving as a meal, you can add grilled or sliced roasted chicken. Makes 4-6 main dish servings or 8-10 side dish servings.

CANDIED PECAN, PEAR, AND LEAFY GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Place the sugar in a small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring gently as needed to dissolve the sugar evenly (about 1 minute). Continue cooking 1 minute or until golden (do not stir).
• 2. Remove from the heat; carefully stir in the nuts to coat evenly. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; separate nuts quickly. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside until cool. Break into small pieces.
• 3. Combine the vinegar and mustard, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add the oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in the capers.
• 4. Combine the lettuces and radicchio; top with the pear and candied walnuts. Drizzle the dressing evenly ove the salad, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

GRILLED PEARS WITH CANDIED PECANS OVER MIXED GREENS

Steps:

• Preheat over to 350 deg. For the pecans, boil together the water and sugar. Add the pecans and simmer 5 minutes. Drain and toast the pecans on a well-greased baking sheet until golden (about 10 mins). Set aside to cool. This can be done a few days ahead.
• For the dressing: Mix the vinegar, shallots, sugar, chives and onion. Slowly whisk in canola oil, and make sure the dressing is thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. This too can be made earlier.
• For the pears: cut into quarters and remove the seeds. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Either grill or pan fry until the pears are tender. Not mushy, but tender. In the pan would be approx 15 mins or so.
• Toss the salad with the dressing and mound the pears in the center of each plate. Top with candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese. Enjoy!

MIXED GREENS WITH PEAR & PECAN SALAD

Steps:

• Toss greens with fruit in large bowl.
• Add dressing; mix lightly.
• Top with nuts and cheese.