Balsamic Salmon With Pears And Pecans Recipes

BALSAMIC SALMON WITH PEARS AND PECANS

Steps:

• Thaw salmon, if frozen. Rinse salmon; pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
• Preheat broiler. Drain canned pears, reserving syrup. Set pears aside. Combine reserved syrup and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Set aside.
• Place salmon on a greased broiler pan. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 4 minutes. Turn, brush generously with the balsamic and syrup mixture. Broil for 2 minutes. Turn again and brush with balsamic and syrup mixture, leaving about 2 tablespoon of the mixture in the saucepan. Broil for 2 more minutes or until salmon flakes when tested with a fork.
• Meanwhile, add orange juice to the saucepan with the remaining balsamic and syrup. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until reduced by half, remove from heat. Stir in orange zest and pears. To serve, divide lettuce among 4 serving plates. Top with salmon, pear mixture and toasted pecans.

PAN-ROASTED PEAR SALAD WITH WATERCRESS, PARMESAN AND PECANS

Steps:

• The success to the best salads is to first chill your serving plates. Place salad plates or bowls in the refrigerator while preparing. Simple as that.
• Toss the pears, 2 teaspoons of the sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pears cut side down in a single layer and cook until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Using a small spatula or fork, tip each pear onto its second cut side; continue to cook until the second side is light brown, 2 to 4 minutes longer. Turn off the heat, leave the skillet on the burner and add 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar; gently stir until the vinegar becomes glazed and coats the pears, about 30 seconds. Transfer the pears to a large plate and let cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Cut each pear quarter crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces.
• Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, remaining 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar and shallot together in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add the lettuce, watercress and cooled pears to the bowl; toss and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the salad among individual chilled plates; top each with portions of the cheese and nuts.