Black Cherry Poached Pear Salad with Goat Cheese

Learn how to make delicious Black Cherry Poached Pear Salad with Goat Cheese. This recipe features two star ingredients: D’anjou Pears and Gourmet Blends Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar.

This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:
1 cup Water
1/2 Cup Gourmet Blends Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup Sugar
2 ea. D’anjou Pears

8oz. Mixed Salad Greens
1- 8oz log Goat Cheese
2/3 cup Canola Oil
1/8 tsp. Sea Salt
2 Grinds of Black Pepper from a Pepper Mill
Method:

To Poach the Pears:
1. Combine water, sugar and black cherry balsamic in a medium sized pot and stir to combine.
2. Peel the pears with a vegetable peeler, cut them in half length wise, and core them with a Melon Baller.
3. Place the peeled and cored pears in the poaching liquid and place over medium high heat.
4. Bring to a simmer and then turn heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove pot from heat and leave in liquid to cool.
6. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and place them on a cutting board
7. Slice each pear half into about 8 slices. Set aside.
8. Cut four 1/2 in. slices of goat cheese from the log. Set aside.

To Make the Dressing:
Pour 1/3 cup of the poached pear liquid and the 1/8th tsp. of salt into a small bowl.
While whisking, slowly drizzle in the oil.

Assemble:
1. In a medium sized bowl, toss the greens with most of the dressing and pile onto 4 plates.
2. Fan the pear slices and lean them against the lettuce.

Black Cherry Poached Pear Salad with Goat Cheese. Created by Chef Rick Boxet

3. Place a goat cheese slice next to the pear slices.
4. Drizzle the goat cheese with the remaining dressing.
5. Finish with pepper on the goat cheese.

This recipe is from the kitchen of Chef Rick. Chef Rick attended Culinary School in Santa Barbara, CA. After graduation, his experience includes: Fess Parker’s Red Lion Resort, the Windsor Court Hotel with Chef Kevin Graham (New Orleans, LA), Citrus with Chef Michel Richard (Hollywood, CA), and L’ Esperance with Michelin Chef Marc Meneau (Vézelay, in Burgundy France). Today, you will find him performing in private kitchens across Orange County, CA. Find out more about his services.

Related Articles:
12 Tips to help you find and hire a chef for your next event.
Tasty Thick Balsamic Vinaigrette by Chef Rick