Pear Pomegranate Salad

don't you hate when you find a recipe that looks really good, but when you go to the store to get the ingredients they either are super expensive or they are low quality because they're out of season?  savoring the seasons with our best bites cookbook helps to overcome this problem because the book is divided into the four seasons with recipes that are "in season."  we're in the middle of winter here, so i've been flipping to the back of the book looking for some good winter recipes.  i came across this gem.  the flavors were amazing!  mr d had 3 servings, he couldn't get enough.  i almost didn't take the time to candy the pecans because i was worried it would be too much work, and it is something i haven't done before.  oh, boy, am i so glad i tried something new in the kitchen.  the pecans were the best part.  i was wishing i'd made more just to snack on.

Pear Pomegranate Salad

1/2 c chopped pecans

1/4 c sugar

1 head romaine lettuce

14 oz bag spinach leaves

seeds from 1 pomegranate (about 1 cup)

2 ripe pears, chopped

juice of 1 lime

Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray and set aside.  Combine pecans and sugar in a small skillet, cook, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and coats the nuts, about 15 mins.  Place on the prepared foil and set aside.  Toss together remaining ingredients, adding the candied pecans right before serving. Drizzle sweet red wine vinaigrette over the salad and top with feta cheese if desired.

Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette

1/2 c red wine vinegar

1/2 c sugar

1-2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 c canola oil

Combine all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor.  While blender is running, add oil in a steady stream.  Dressing may be stored in fridge about 2-3 weeks.  Shake well before serving.

this salad was so good!  it was the perfect side dish to a healthy breast of grilled chicken.  seriously blog followers, this cookbook is a must have.  you can continue waiting for me to post the recipes i try, one at a time, or you can run out and get yours today!  at the very least, get your name on the wait list at the library.