Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Over the holidays I was on the hunt for the perfect green salad to bring to the table.  Then I recalled one of my recent Pinterest additions that fit the bill perfectly.  It was a hearty, yet elegant, spinach salad that combined sweet pears, a slight tang (and gorgeous color accent) from pomegranate seeds, blue cheese and walnuts, for one spectacular dish.  

I knew it was the salad that I wanted to prepare and share with family and friends, as well as one that I happily carried over into my permanent salad repertoire.  With a few slight tweaks--I substituted the blue cheese for the goat cheese that I had on hand and made a sherry vinaigrette to dress the dish--it has become a new (and likely perennial) favorite.  

Hearty enough for a satisfying bite during the cold weather, scrumptious enough to merit regular menu appearances--and chocked full of nutrients!--you'll love bringing this dish to your table.

Happy Eating!

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad -- recipe courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Sherry Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 small shallot, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, shallot, honey, and salt and pepper to taste.  Slowly drizzle and whisk in the olive oil.  Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss to coat.  
  

Toast With This!: Pomegranate, Mint & Ginger Fizz

 

The holidays are just about here--and I couldn't be more excited!  I'm looking forward to reuniting with family and close friends, eating well and creating new memories.  When coming together, I recommend having a signature drink to toast the occasion--and to keep "bar" duty to a minimum.  It's another one of my go-to entertaining tips that makes things lighter, easier--and always festive.

Inspired by flavors that sing of the holidays (pomegranate, citrus, mint and ginger), I fell for this jazzy 'mocktail' recipe--adapted from Martha Stewart--for a beautiful, elegant--and yes, quite delicious, sip.  Add it to your repertoire and you'll be toasting throughout the holidays--and beyond!

Happy Sipping!

Pomegranate, Mint & Ginger Fizz

Ingredients: 
10 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon sugar
Juice of 1 orange, about 1/4 cup
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
Ginger ale

Method:
In a tall glass, muddle mint leaves and sugar together until the leaves are fully coated and a paste almost forms. Add in orange and pomegranate juices and top off with chilled ginger ale.  Stir slightly to mix, pour into serving glasses and garnish with fresh mint.  Sip and enjoy! 
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart