posted by scooby 12-30-100 7:40 PM
Swiss Cheese, Ham and Pear Salad
12 ounces Swiss cheese
12 ounces cooked ham
1 pound firm pears (about 3 medium size pears)
5 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 teaspoons white wine vinegar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
4-8 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
4 teaspoons parsley, finely minced
fresh ground black pepper
salt to taste
Cut cheese and ham into 1/8 inch thick slices then into 1 inch squares. Peel and core pears, slice each pear into six wedges, then slice each wedge lengthwise into four slices. Half all pear slices to form smaller wedges.
In a large bowl, toss together cheese, ham, and pears. Add dressing and toss to mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
Dressing: Place mustard in a small mixing bowl. Whisking mustard, slowly add white wine vinegar in a thin stream. This should slightly thin out mustard and make it creamier. Whisk in oil, by also adding slowly in a thin stream. Dressing will thicken and be creamy. Slowly add 4-8 teaspoons water, to thin the dressing to desires consistency; be careful not to add too much water, or dressing might separate. Stir in caraway seeds and chopped parsley. Mix well.