Fresh Cooking with In-Season Food: Pecans

Everyone knows that cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables (that are in-season) not only is a great way to stretch a buck, it is also the best way to produce flavorful dishes that will keep your family, friends, guests (whomever) asking for more. This time of year there are many wonderful selections: apples, cabbage, leafy greens, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, to name a few. A quick visit to your local farmer's market, grocery store or fresh produce stand on the corner offers a bountiful harvest of in-season crops. Here, we focus on the versatile fall nut, pecans. Often thought of for pecan pies , this nut can be used in both savory and sweet dishes alike! From cookies to salads and the main course, these dishes are sure to be tasty treats that everyone will enjoy!

Appetizers & Salads
- Blue Cheese, Pear & Candied Pecan Salad
- Fresh Cranberry Salad
- Blue Cheese, Pear, Prosciutto & Pecan Bruschetta

Main Course & Sides
- Spinach Pecan Quiche
- Pecan Coated Pork Loin with Peaches
- Oven Fried Pecan Chicken
- Cinnamon Roll Strata with Apples & Pecans
- Sweet Potato Casserole

Desserts
- Pecan Pie
- Nutty Pecan Crisp
- Wedding Cookies
- Pecan Biscotti
- Pecan Coffee Cake

-Appetizers/Salads-

|Blue Cheese, Pear & Candied Pecan Salad

Ingredients:

1C Pecans
1/2 C Granulated Sugar
8 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
mixed greens of choice
3 pears, cored, peeled & chopped
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing
1/2 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 C Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tb Granulated Sugar
pinch kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 Tb dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely and sauteed over low heat for about 5 min. Do not allow to brown.

In a skillet, combine sugar and pecans and cook over medium heat; stir constantly. Cook for about ten minutes or until the sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Transfer to parchment paper and cool.

Saute garlic for dressing. Combine all ingredients of dressing and shake in a mason jar or equivalent. Let set for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle.

Layer salad and serve with desired amount of dressing.

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