Blue Cheese, Pear and Avocado Salad

I picked up a load of avocados at Wally World the other day. They were a quarter each! Then I got a basket of ugly pears for $.50/pound at another store. I had a little bit of pecans and Blue cheese leftover from the holidays. This was very yummy! Also a very nice presentation to alternate pear and avocado slices in a fan shape.

Serves 4

2 Tbsp. white sugar

1/2 cup pecans

4 cups torn salad greens

2 pears - peeled, cored and sliced

1 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced

3 ounces Bleu cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/8 tsp. granulated garlic

dash salt

fresh ground black pepper to taste

In a skillet over medium heat, stir sugar together with pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and chop into pieces.

For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

On four individual salad plates, place a layer of salad greens. Lay out alternating slices of pears and  avocado in a fan shape. Sprinkle with pecans and blue cheese. Pour dressing over all and serve.