Pear Stilton And Chicory Salad With Crispy Chestnuts Recipes

STILTON AND PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. In a bowl toss the lettuce with half the dressing and divide the salad among 4 plates. Halve and core the pear and cut it lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange one fourth of the pear slices decoratively on each plate, divide the Stilton and the pecans among the salads, and drizzle the remaining dressing on top.

PEAR, CHICORY & BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• Discard the outer leaves from the chicory and slice in half lengthways. Cut out the base root, then slice into long, thin slivers and rinse. Pat dry and put in a bowl. Cut each pear quarter into 3 and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent discolouring. Add to the bowl with the parsley and walnut halves.
• Make a dressing by mixing the walnut oil with the remaining lemon juice and seasoning, then add to the bowl. Toss everything together, then plate up, crumbling over the cheese. Serve immediately.

PEAR, DATE & WALNUT SALAD WITH CREAMY STILTON DRESSING

Steps:

• Cut the pear quarters into thin slices and toss in a bowl with the lime juice to help protect their natural colour. Blend the crème fraîche with half the stilton, ginger syrup to taste, and enough water (3-4 tbsp) to give a smooth, thick coating consistency. (Don't add too much water or it may separate.)
• Scatter the pear slices over six serving plates and follow with the walnuts, dates and remaining cheese. Can be prepared to this stage up to an hour ahead.
• Drizzle each salad with a little of the dressing and some walnut oil. Season with a grinding of pepper - you shouldn't need salt, as the cheese is salty. Mix the salad leaves and watercress very lightly with just a bit more dressing - some leaves should be touched by the dressing, some untouched. Gently pile the leaves on top of each salad.