8    Handfuls chicory greens
-(hearts of escarole or
- curly endive, raddichio,
-  Belgian endive)
3    Bartlett or Comice pears
12    Whole walnuts
Walnut oil (optional)
4 oz Gorgonzola Dolcelatte
- crumbled
10    Branches chervil or parsley
Freshly milled pepper

–VINAIGRETTE–
1 1/2 tb Pear or champagne vinegar
-or to taste
Salt
3 tb Virgin olive oil
3 tb Walnut oil

SEPARATE LEAVES OF WHICHEVER type of green youre using. If using escarole
or curly endive, use just the pale inner leaves. (Outer leaves can be
sauteed with garlic and chile– delicious!) Gently cut or tear leaves into
attractive pieces, wash and dry them and set aside. To cut pears, stand
them upright and slice off a round from the side. Work your way around the
pear, slicing it thinly into crescent-shaped pieces. If walnuts are really
fresh, simply crack them and break them into quarters and eighths. If they
arent so fresh, toss them in a little walnut oil and toast them at 350F
until lightly roasted, about 7 minutes. Prepare vinaigrette and use half of
it to dress the leaves. Set them on salad plates. Dress pears with
remaining vinaigrette and settle them into leaves. Scatter walnuts over
salad along with cheese. Garnish with chervil and dust lightly with pepper.
VINAIGRETTE: In bowl, combine vinegar with salt, then whisk in oils. Adjust
oil or vinegar to get the balance you like.