CONSTRUCTED PEAR SALAD

This is one of those fabulous culinary ideas that fall into the "why didn't I think of that" category!

How many times have I eaten this salad all chopped up and tossed together, but never thought of constructing it into a stunning pear tower of Autumnal flavor!

I knew the first time I saw this beauty in a foodie magazine that I would make it. But like most things I make... I put my own StoneGable spin on it. The addition of prosciutto and munchkin grapes add to the depth of flavors and gives a nice textural crunch.

This is an "IT 'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE" recipe. You can add or makes substitutions to suite your individual taste and content in your cupboards. If you can find these darling munchkin grapes they are worth getting. These are NOT dried fruit. But real bitty fresh purple grapes!  Sweet and so tiny, they add such pizzazz to the salad!

This is a company worthy meal starter or a great main course for lunch.  I am having a little soiree next week and will include this ON THE MENU!

StoneGable Constructed Pear Salad

5~Perfect ripe pears with stems attached 

2 cups Mixed greens

1 cup Arugula

1/2 cup Arugula, for garnish

1/4 cup pan roasted pecans, cooled and rough chopped

1/2 cup munchkin grapes (or use golden raisins, craisins, dried cherries, dried fig, etc)

1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles

champagne vinaigrette (recipe follows)

6 thin slices of prosciutto 

honey, to drizzle

Champagne Vinaigrette

1/2 cup good olive oil (I use light OO for this recipe)

2-3 TBS good champagne vinegar

1 tsp honey

1/8 tsp dijon mustard

Mix well. Set aside

In a large no-stick skillet, cook prosciutto until crisp. Remove from heat and cool.

Choose 5 great fresh ripe pears.

Turn 4 pears on it's side and cut into 4 rounds.

Using an apple corer, remove the core of all the pear rounds EXCEPT the top with the stem attached.

In a large bowl mix the greens, pecans, cheese and grapes. Add just enough dressing to coat the greens.

Toss

Divide the arugula for garnish between 4 plates.

Place the bottom of the pear on a plate. 

Top with salad. Add a piece of prosciutto over the salad and add the next pear round to the stack. 

Continue to construct the pear, ending with the stem round.

Cut the 5th pear into slivers and fan several on a plate. Garnish with munchkin grapes and a piece of prosciutto.

Drizzle with  a little honey and serve.

Makes a gorgeous presentation! 

WOW FACTOR!