Roquefort and Poached Pear Salad with Caramelized Walnuts and Macadamia Vinaigrette
recipe c/o Jorge Rausch
Ingredients
2 medium Green Pears, peeled
300 grams Granulated Sugar
1 liters Water
30 milliliters Lemon Juice
50 milliliters Orange Juice
1 pinch Star Anise
1 medium Cinnamon Stick
Preparation
OTHER INGREDIENTS —
For the caramelized walnuts:
100 grams granulated sugar
20 milliliters water
36 walnuts
OTHER INGREDIENTS —
For the caramelized walnuts:
100 grams granulated sugar
20 milliliters water
36 walnuts
90 milliliters macadamia oil
40 milliliters white wine vinegar
20 milliliters heavy cream
Granulated sugar (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
90 milliliters macadamia oil
40 milliliters white wine vinegar
20 milliliters heavy cream
Granulated sugar (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
For the salad:
400 grams Roquefort cheese, cut into 3-centimeter cubes
250 grams mixed lettuces, cleaned, dried, and cut into small pieces
90 milliliters macadamia oil
40 milliliters white wine vinegar
20 milliliters heavy cream
Granulated sugar (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
For the salad:
400 grams Roquefort cheese, cut into 3-centimeter cubes
250 grams mixed lettuces, cleaned, dried, and cut into small pieces
In a large pot, combine all of the poached pear ingredients, making sure that the pears are completely covered with the liquid. Place a heatproof plate on top of the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pears are slightly softened but still firm. Remove the pot from the heat and let the pears cool.
Once cool, remove the pears from the poaching liquid and cut each in half, being careful to leave the stems intact. Place each half cut-side down and thinly slice lengthwise almost all the way through, stopping just before you get to the stem, to create a fan shape (this makes for the best presentation).
Make the caramelized walnuts: In a small pan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramel is golden. Remove the pan from the heat. Working 1 at a time, coat the walnuts in the caramel, then transfer to a wire rack to drain the excess caramel. Set aside to cool.
Make the vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, blend together all the vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.
To finish, place 6 cubes of the Roquefort onto each plate, arranging them in a circle. Place 1 caramelized walnut on top of each cube of cheese. Arrange some lettuce in the center of the circle, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and finish each plate with 1 of the poached pear halves.