2 Bosc Pears, halved, cored, sliced into a fan with top intact
1 cup Blackberries (6 ounces)
3/4 Cup Toasted hazelnuts, shelled, skinned, and halved
1/2 Cup Gorgonzola
1 Pomegranate, divided
1 Teaspoon sugar
Lemon Juice
Olive oil (optional)
Dressing
Honey Pear Vinaigrette
1/3 cup Pear Juice
1/3 cup White Balsamic Vinegar
1/3 cup Light Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
Salt
Pepper
Directions
Make the vinaigrette by combining the following in a resealable jar: pear juice, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and a few grinds of fresh pepper. Seal the jar and give it a good shake until everything is well mixed. Set aside and shake again just before using.
Place hazelnuts in a hot dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes, and gently toast until fragrant and the nuts just start to take on a bit of color.
Cut pomegranate into quarters. Reserve two quarters to decorate the platter (if desired) and remove and set aside arils from the remaining two quarters. You should have a yield of around 1/2 cup arils.
Cut both pears into halves and core. Using a sharp knife, cut the bottom 3/4th of the pear into a series of slices, leaving the upper portion with the stem intact, so the slices can be spread can be fanned out, but still stay together. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add just a touch of olive oil (optional but it helps the sugar from browning too quickly), and place all four pear halves, cut side down, fanning them out a bit, in the skillet. Gently cook the pears, being careful not to disturb them too much, until the edges begin to caramelize and turn golden brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the stove and set aside.
Place Taylor Farms Organic Spring Mix in a large serving bowl or platter. Add nuts, blackberries, arrange pears fanning them out a bit, sprinkle over gorgonzola cheese, add reserved pomegranate quarters, top with remaining pomegranate arils, and drizzle over one to two tablespoons of the vinaigrette to taste and serve!