Chardonnay Poached Pear Salad

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 bottle Harry & David Chardonnay
• 3 Royal Riviera® Pears, peeled and kept whole
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 6 cups spring greens
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

For the Chardonnay Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons Harry & David Chardonnay
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the Chardonnay, placing them in a bowl. Pour the rest of the wine in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
2. Once simmering, add the peeled whole pears to the wine. Simmer until fork tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Gently remove the pear and place it on a plate.
3. While the pears are simmering, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Toss in the walnuts, sugar, cinnamon and cardamom, stirring to combine.
4. Cook, stirring often, until the walnuts become golden and candied, about 6 minutes. Pour the walnuts on to parchment paper and let cool completely.
5. To assemble the pear salad, add the greens on a large plate or in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the pears on top and slice them half way down not all the way through. Sprinkle with the blue cheese, cranberries and candied walnuts. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and serve!

Chardonnay Vinaigrette

1. Whisk together the chardonnay, honey, Dijon, vinegar, salt and pepper.
2. Stream in the olive oil until emulsified. Keep sealed in the fridge for up to a week.