Roquefort Pear Salad

via google images

i've made this numerous times for events, and it's so yummy that i decided i need it in my archives for future reference.  most times i just left the dressing on the side, but this last time that i made it i mixed it in and i think it made it better because all the flavors were able to mix together.  i obviously changed it up a bit, especially because i'm not a fan of green onions, so here is what i did:

head of romaine lettuce
1-2 green pears
2-3 avocados
bleu cheese
pecans (+ sugar/cinnamon)
craisins

shred lettuce, thinly slice pears, dice avocado, crumble bleu cheese, and candy the pecans.  (to candy the pecans i put a very small amount of olive oil in a skillet. add 1 cup pecans and 1/2 cup white sugar + dash of cinnamon.  keep the heat on medium and stir constantly until the sugar starts to diminish (melt), then pour pecans onto a plate to cool).

next make the dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
3 Tbs red wine vinegar
1.5 tsp white sugar
1.5 tsp prepared mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, minced

combine all ingredients and mix in blender.  pour over shredded lettuce and mix well.  add pears, avocado, pecans and craisins and mix.  add bleu cheese on top and mix slightly. and then, eat... and eat.... and eat... because it's divine!