Roquefort Pear Salad

Rating: 5 of 5

Tips: When candying the pecans, use a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an added kick.

Ingredients:

•      1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
•      3 pears - peeled, cored and chopped
•      5 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
•      1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
•      1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
•      1/4 cup white sugar
•      1/2 cup pecans
•      1/3 cup olive oil
•      3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
•      1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
•      1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard (I used pale ale and honey spice mustard.)
•      1 clove garlic, chopped
•      1/2 teaspoon salt
•      fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
   1. In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces.
   2. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
   3. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.