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Friday, May 28, 2010

Baked Pear & Gorgonzola Salad







I really like the pear and blue cheese combination, as evidenced by this salad. I found myself with both pears and blue cheese on hand, but wanted to try something a little different. Baked fruit is a little bit of a foreign concept to me. Obviously I'm all about baked fruit when it comes to desserts (apple crisp anyone?), but had never thought to add it to a salad. This baked pear salad has convinced me that baked fruit + salad is an excellent combo! I loved the soft pear filled with the tangy blue cheese. My only complaint? MORE cheese! I didn't measure it out and don't think I put a full tbsp in each pear as the recipe called for. Don't be afraid to be a bit heavy-handed with the cheese, it's definitely the best part!

Baked Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
recipe from sippitysup.com

Ingredients:
-2 large pears
-4 tbsp gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
-1/2 cup walnuts
-1/2 head bibb lettuce (I used mixed spring greens)
-vinaigrette to taste
-black pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375F. Cut pears in half lengthwise and remove core. Cut a slice off of the bottom of each pear so that they will lay flat. Lay each half on baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of cheese on each half and bake until cheese is browned and pears are soft (approximately 12 minutes).
3. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a pan over the stove for 3 minutes, tossing frequently.
4. Toss lettuce in vinaigrette and divide among plates. Divide walnuts among each plate and top with a pear. Add more vinaigrette and black pepper to taste.