PEAR SALAD

Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm pears (about 1 ½ pounds), quartered and cored
• 2 ½ teaspoons real maple syrup
• 2 ½ teaspoons of both salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 small shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• ½ medium head green leaf lettuce, washed, dried, and torn
• 1 large radicchio, quartered, cored and cut crosswise into ½- inch pieces (about 4 cups)
• 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola (1 cup)
• ¾ cup toasted chopped walnuts

Method

1. Toss the pears, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, ¾ teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Heat 2tsp of the oil in a large skillet over med/high heat until just smoking.
3. Add the pears, cut side down in a single layer and cook until golden brown, 2-4 minutes.
4. Using a small spatula or fork, turn pear onto its second cut side and cook until lightly brown, 2-4 mins.
5. Turn off heat, leave the skillet on the burner and add 2Tbls of vinegar, gently stirring until vinegar becomes syrupy and coats the pears, about 30 seconds.
6. Transfer the pears to the large plate and let cool to room temp, about 45 mins. Cut each pear quarter cross wise into ½ inch pieces.
7. Whisk the remaining 2Tbls of vinegar, remaining 2 tsp maple syrup and shallot together in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the lettuce, radicchio and Gorgonzola along with the cooled pears to the bowl, toss and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper.

Enjoy