Dinner Tonight: Cranberry-Walnut Pear Wedges

1/27/2014

Su Johnson, who submitted this recipe for Cranberry-Walnut Pear Wedges, writes “This salad looks very fancy, yet it is easy to make. Great blend of flavors.” And she is right — the combination of pear, blue cheese, walnuts, and cranberries is one for the ages.

Cranberry-Walnut Pear Wedges

• 3 firm ripe pears; cut into quarters and cored
• ¼ cup triple sec, see cook’s note
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• ½ cup cranberry fruit relish
• ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup (1 oz.) crumbled blue cheese

Cook’s note: Omit liqueur, if desired. If you do, increase orange juice to ¼ cup, and add 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to the marinade.

Place pears in resealable food storage bag. Pour liqueur and orange juice (or orange juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar) over pears; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to coat pears evenly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, turning bag occasionally.

Drain pears; discard marinade. Place pears on serving platter (or individual salad dishes). Spoon cranberry relish evenly over cavities of pears. Sprinkle with walnuts and cheese.

Yield: 12 servings

— Su Johnson