Northwest Autumn Salad Recipes

Steps:

• For dressing: Mix together oil, vinegar, shallot, syrup,lemon juice, salt and pepper until emulsified.
• To Complete the Salad: Toss together lettuces, pears, pecans, cheese and dressing.
• Serve immediately.
• For the Candied Pecans:.
• Stir together nuts, sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown.
• Spread mixture in a single layer on lightly greased waxed paper. Cool and break into pieces.

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, onion, mustard and salt. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds. Transfer to a small pitcher or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled., In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

Steps:

• In small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Cut 2 of the pears ito 1/2" pieces. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and softened. Recipe can be made to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Place cooked pears in center of 8 salad plates. In large bowl, toss salad mix with vinaigrette. Place on top of pears; sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Slice remaining 2 pears; arrange over greeens.

Steps:

• Roast beets: Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place beets on a parchment-lined piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Wrap in foil and bake until beets are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 30 to 45 minutes for baby beets and up to 1 1/4 hours for larger beets. Let stand until cool enough to handle, then rub off skins with paper towels. Cut beets in half (or into quarters or sixths if large).
• Meanwhile, roast shallots, parsnips, and carrots: Toss shallots, parsnips, and carrots in a large bowl with remaining 3 tablespoons oil, then season with salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with rosemary, tossing to coat. Roast until tender and golden, turning vegetables over once, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Prepare greens: Wash arugula and dry thoroughly, then place in a bowl and cover with a damp kitchen towel (or damp paper towels). Refrigerate until needed (this will help crisp the leaves).
• Toss vegetables and greens with vinaigrette: Toss parsnips, carrots, and shallots with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Toss beets separately with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette (to prevent their color from bleeding). Toss arugula with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and season lightly with salt and a pinch of pepper.
• Compose salad and serve: Line a serving platter with arugula and arrange vegetables on top. Serve salad immediately.