Poached Pear Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
Ingredients:
2 pears, cored and cut in half
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1 cup water
5 to 6 ounces spring mix lettuce
1/4 to 1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
Maple Mustard Dressing:
1/2 cup walnut oil or canola oil
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons coarse-grained mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Place 1/4 cup maple syrup and water in a small to medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add pears cut side up and simmer about 3 minutes or until just tender. Remove pears from pan. Let cool a bit and slice pears. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid and shake well. Dressing can be made up to a few days ahead. To assemble the salad toss spring mix with some of the dressing. Top salad with pear slices, walnuts and cheese.
Notes:
Extra dressing keeps in the fridge for about a week. Shake well before using.