SWEET AND SOUR SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS

SWEET AND SOUR SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS image

Number Of Ingredients 10

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6 semi-ripe Anjou Pears (1 ¾ pounds)
12 tsp. plus 1 1/3 cup sugar
6 T. oil
1 cup Balsamic vinegar
½ cup water
3 T. whole black peppercorns, crushed
3 - 10 oz. bags spinach
2 red onions, thinly sliced
16 thin slices prosciutto (4 oz), chopped
1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Steps:

1. Peel, half and core pears. Sprinkle pears with ½ tsp. sugar. 2. Heat 3 T. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add pears. Sprinkle with 6 tsp sugar. Cook 8 minutes till golden brown. Transfer pears to plate. 3. Remove skillet from heat. Whisk remaining 3 T. Oil into skillet. 4. Add vinegar. Return to heat and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Remove from heat and cool. 5. Combine 1 1/3 cup sugar, ½ cup water and crushed black peppercorns in saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, about 5 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and cool caramel syrup slightly. 7. Carefully add vinegar mixture to caramel syrup. Place pan over very low heat and stir until caramel bits melt and dressing is smooth, about 2 minutes. 8. Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste. 9. Combine spinach and onion in large bowel with enough dressing to coat. Add pears and nuts.