This is an indulgently rich balm to soothe body and soul in the bitter cold. The pear and walnut are by no means essential, in fact a plate of tagliatelle drenched in just the creamy, peppery cheese sauce is pure joy. However, the chunks of fruit add a delicate sweetness that cuts through the intense richness of the sauce and it’s little extra effort to throw them in.
A vegetable tart with robust-tasting filling featuring the classic combination of meaty mushrooms and sweet leeks partially wrapped in a hearty pastry.
Although you can enjoy this salad at any time of year, I find that its refreshing crunch is especially welcome in winter, when the foods we (or at least I) eat tend to be of the rich, stick-to-your-ribs sort, such as stews and braises, or oozy baked pasta dishes.
When you're ready to serve, toss the pear, cheese, and greens together with as much of the dressing as you like. Serve immediately.