Pear-Blue Cheese Salad

1 recipe Holiday Dijon Vinaigrette or ¾ c. purchased dressing

2 T. butter

1 c. pecan/walnut halves

1 T. sugar

1/8 t. salt

Salad greens

3 ripe pears, cored and sliced thin

1 c. crumbled blue cheese

Directions:

Prepare the Holiday Dijon Vinaigrette

In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat.

Add nuts.

Cook 4-45 minutes or until nuts are lightly toasted, stirring frequently.

Sprinkle with sugar and salt over nuts.

Cook and stir for 1 minute more.

Transfer pecans to a medium bowl to cool.

In a large bowl combine salad greens pears, cheese, and nuts.

Pour dressing over greens.

Toss to coat.

Divide equally among salad plates.

Sprinkle with additional pecans.

Holiday Dijon Vinaigrette

5 T. EVOO

3 T. chopped shallots or onions

2 T. white wine vinegar

1 T. Dijon style mustard

Salt and pepper

Directions:

In a screw-top jar combine all ingredients.

Cover and shake well.