PEAR, ENDIVE AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Pear, Endive and Watercress Salad image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet)
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs from sourdough bread (about 2 ounces)
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 large garlic clove
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup walnut oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pears, cored, thinly sliced
4 heads Belgian endive, thinly sliced
2 bunches watercress, trimmed
2 cups walnuts, toasted

Steps:

Slice goat cheese into 6 equal portions; form each into ball. Flatten cheese balls into 2-inch-diameter rounds. Place breadcrumbs in shallow dish. Coat cheese rounds completely with breadcrumbs. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
Mix vinegar, garlic clove, shallot and Dijon mustard in blender. With machine running, gradually add walnut oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cheese rounds to skillet and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer cheese rounds to paper towels; let drain completely.
Toss pears, endive and watercress in large bowl with enough dressing to coat. Divide salad among 6 plates. Sprinkle walnuts over salads. Place 1 goat cheese round in center of each salad and serve.