ARUGULA AND ROASTED PEAR SALAD

Arugula and Roasted Pear Salad image

Provided by Ellen Ecker Ogden

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 firm, almost-ripe pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and cut lengthwise
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons pine nuts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
N/A pepper
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
6 cups arugula or mixed salad greens
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/4 cup fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
12 calendula blossoms

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the pears, sugar, and butter. Arrange the pears in a single layer in a baking sheet. Bake, turning once, until the pears are barely tender, 10-15 minutes.
3. Dry roast the pine nuts in a skillet for 5 minutes, until toasty brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
4. In a large salad bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, mustard, and maple syrup. Add the arugula or salad greens and toss to coat.
5. Divide the salad onto four chilled plates. Arrange the roasted pears in a fan around the center, and sprinkle with the cranberries, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Scatter with petals from the calendula blossoms.