Tuesday

fall starter


here's a quick salad that you can throw together to impress dinner guests that is much more sophisticated tasting than it is difficult to make. the combination of sweet pears and maple syrup is offset by salty gorgonzola cheese and smokey bacon - yum! try it with different combinations of cheese, nuts and firm fruit for an ever changing fall starter. is anyone else getting excited for Thanksgiving next week? we have friends coming from santa barbara and boston and can't wait to start cooking - it's definitely the best food holiday of the year.

Fall Pear Salad
serves 2

2 ripe firm pears, such as bosc or anjou
1 green onion, sliced
3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tbs maple syrup
3 tbs hazelnut oil
approx. 1/4 cup olive oil
fresh cracked black pepper
core pear with an apple corer, trying to keep pear whole. slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds and combine in a bowl with green onion, bacon, cheese and hazelnuts. in a small bowl, combine lemon juice, maple syrup and hazelnut oil. slowly whisk in olive oil, taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. toss salad with dressing, plate and garnish with pepper. enjoy!

6 comments:

Mike said...

Looks like a truly perfect blend of flavors. I look forward to trying this out. Thanks!

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

The Fall salad looks wonderful. I am looking forward to the Thanksgiving cooking extravaganza too !

I used to live in Santa Barbara, a long time ago...now live in San Luis Obispo to be close to family.

More later,
Kary

Jennifer said...

This salad looks the perfect Thanksgiving starter to tide folks over until the bird is plated. You pair a marvelous blend of flavors.

Alyssa said...

I love the combination of fruit and cheese. This looks truly amazing.

Jenae said...

this looks really delicious! very excited for thanksgiving

test it comm said...

What an amazing flavour combination in this salad!