For a quick and easy recipe, the Poppy Seed dressing below can be simply mixed up in a bowl, hand-whisking the other ingredients into the olive oil- no blender clean-up! Using the stirring method is convenient, especially when making a smaller batch of the dressing.

Bosc pears have a great, firm, crunchy texture, although other pears or apples, or even dried fruits can substitute in a pinch. Vary the salad by leaving out the blue cheese or replacing it with crumbled goat cheese. Serves 8-10.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1/3 c. white vinegar
• 2 tsp. prepared Dijon, or similar mustard
• 1 scant tsp. salt
• 1 c. olive oil
• 1/2 Tbs. poppy seeds
• 2 bags of mixed baby greens
• 2 or 3 thin-sliced pears, dipped in lemon
• 2/3 c. pecans, toasted if desired
• (Optional) 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
  

For dressing, heat 30 seconds in microwave, until sugar dissolves when stirred: >3/4 c. sugar > 1/3 c. white vinegar

Add to bowl and stir well: > 2 tsp. prepared Dijon, or similar mustard > 1 scant tsp. salt

Last, blend in: > 1 c. olive oil > 1/2 Tbs. poppy seeds

This will make enough dressing for two big salads. Use about half of the dressing over the following, reserving the rest for another salad: > 2 bags of mixed baby greens > 2 or 3 thin-sliced pears, dipped in lemon > 2/3 c. pecans, toasted if desired > (Optional) 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled