Blue Cheese Grape Salad With Caramelised Pecans Recipes

BLUE CHEESE & GRAPE SALAD WITH CARAMELISED PECANS

Steps:

• First, caramelise the nuts. Heat the butter and sugar in a small frying pan, then stir in the nuts. Cook over a low heat for about 5 mins until the nuts are crisp and coated in the sugary butter. Tip onto an oiled baking sheet, leave to cool slightly, then roughly chop. Whisk together the vinegar and olive oil until well blended, then stir through a little salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve, tear the leaves off the chicory and put into a bowl with the rocket. Slice the grapes in half, remove the seeds, then add to the bowl with most of the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the leaves are coated, then arrange on 4 serving plates. Crumble over the cheese and top with a scattering of nuts. Drizzle with the remaining dressing to serve.

BLUE-CHEESE-PEAR-PECAN SALAD

Steps:

• Mix the pears, cheese, pecans and romaine in a medium-sized salad bowl.
• For the dressing; stir together the vinegar, garlic, basil, honey, salt, and pepper and then add oil slowly in a small bowl with wire whisk. Toss the dressing with the salad just before serving.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED PECANS

Steps:

• Melt butter in small frying pan over low heat.
• Add pecans and brown sugar.
• Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture is caramelized.
• Spread out on wax paper to cool.
• In bowl toss together spinach, pecans, apple and cheese.
• Add oil and vinegar and toss again until everything is coated.
• Chef's note: To make ahead for a special dinner--toss apple with dressing. Layer on greens, cheese and pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator until needed, tossing just before serving.