Peppered Pear Salad

Salad Ingredients

1 large head of Romaine Lettuce

1 to 2 medium sized pears

1/2 cup candied peppered almonds

Candied and Peppered Almond Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup blanched almonds

1/2 T coarse pepper

Almond Instructions

Put sugar into saucepan on high (watch closely).  When sugar just starts to melt, add almonds and pepper.  Stir until almonds toast (pan will smoke, but you must continue to mix and turn the nuts).  Remove from heat when completely toasted and spread out in glass dish to cool.  (Do not oil dish).

Dressing Ingredients and Instructions

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup blue cheese

5 T balsamic vinegar