Pear Salad

     This is one of my favorite salads to serve with everyday meals.  It is easy to make, healthy, and contains simple ingredients.  Although there are many different variations on this salad, the one pictured features red leaf lettuce, bartlett pears, raisins and walnuts.  Sometimes I dress this salad with just a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  On other occasions, I like to candy the walnuts by sautéing them in brown sugar, cinnamon and butter then toss the salad with a pear vinaigrette.  To make the vinaigrette, I use extra virgin olive oil, a splash of Pear Rosé Vinegar (available at specialty food markets), honey, salt and pepper.  This preparation would also be good with chevre crumbled over the top for a bit of creaminess.