Mixed Greens Salad With Pears, Goat Cheese, And Fig Vinaigrette - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Fig Vinaigrette
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
5 dried black figs, stemmed and coarsely chopped
10 tablespoons water (1/2 cup plus 2 T)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Salad Mixings
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 1/2 cups bosc pears, thinly sliced
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
candied walnuts (optional)
grape tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Combine balsamic vinegar and figs in a small saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/3 cup: about 5 minutes.
Combine the fig mixture, water, and lemon juice in a blender, and process until smooth.
Place the fig mixture in a small bowl. Stir in shallots, thyme, and garlic. Add olive oil and salt; stir well with a whisk.
To serve: Drizzle enough dressing on the greens to coat. Place the greens on 6 salad plates and top with pear and goat cheese.