dinner

Good evening.  I have dinner ready for you!

I am too tired to do a complete report on our day at the farm.  But not too tired to give you all a wonderful dinner recipe.  This is light, delicious, and not very complicated.  I highly recommend a glass of chardonnay with this dinner.  (only because that’s what we did and it was wonderful!)

Mixed Greens And Roasted Pear Salad (adapted from Raising the Salad Bar Cookbook)

3 pears, peeled, halved and cored

olive oil

1 small head of bibb lettuce

1 bunch of arugula

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup shopped, toasted walnuts

For the dressing:

1/2 of a roasted pear

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple juice

2 tbs apple cider vinegar

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

1.  Preheat the oven to 375.  Brush the pears with some olive oil.  Place them cut side down on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes.  The pears should be browned and easily speared with a fork.  Set aside and let cool.  Reserve half of one pear for the dressing.

2. In a large bowl, mis the lettuce, arugula and red onion.

3. To make the dressing, place the reserved roasted pear half, oil, apple juice, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a food processor.  Process until mixture is pureed.  Add  a little more oil or juice to thing the mixture if necessary.  Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and mix with all other ingredients.  Top with half a roasted pear.  Enjoy!

We enjoyed our salads with a side of blue cheese and caramelized leek crostini. (Which was divine!)

All you do is slice up a nice baguette of bread.  Dice 2 large leeks.  White and light green parts only.  Suatee them in butter for about 10 minutes over medium heat.  Stir.  Add the sauteed leeks to the sliced bread.  Drizzle some olive oil over the bread and leeks.  Add some crumbled blue cheese to each slice.  Broil on high for about 2 minutes.  Enjoy!

I hate to admit it, but I am ready for the weekend.  I know it’s only Tuesday, but I am pooped!!!  The hot weather combined with lack of sleep is getting the best of me.  I am crossing my fingers for a great day at the farm tomorrow.  The coffee machine is set for 5 a.m. so we are off to a good start!  Have a great evening!