This weekend, when OmegaDotter and I went to visit OmegaGranny (OmegaDad was working on a paper for his master's level philosophy class), we all went to lunch at an awesome eatery. And I had a salad TO DIE FOR. It was simple. Classic. Unutterably yummy. So I went home, and informed OmegaDad that I had to try to duplicate the recipe, because it was high in fiber (thus good for me, as I have recently learned that my cholesterol is sky high), full of antioxidants, and just plain tasty. Now, it ain't quite what we had at lunch on Saturday, but it's damned good. First, a vinaigrette: 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup (oh, just call it "a lot") of chopped basil Whisk it all together. Now, grab a handful of baby spinach from your Big Bag From Sam's. Make it a generous handful. Spread it on your plate. Grab your bag of walnut halves, and break them up over the spinach. Do as much as you feel like. Get some blue cheese (the original had gorgonzola, which seemed much creamier and mellower, so if you've got that, use it instead). Crumble chunks all around and over the spinach and walnuts. Now, open a can of pear slices. Artistically arrange six or eight around the top of the salad. Store the remainder for an encore in another day or two. Spoon some of the vinaigrette over the salad. Don't go hog wild, but don't skimp, either. Enjoy with nine-grain toast or freshly baked French bread. Oh. My. Gawd. It is to die for. Categories: [This 'n That] [Food]