Ingredients

• 1/4  cup all-purpose flour
• 1  egg white, beaten
• 1/4  cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
• 8  2x1x1/4-inch pieces Brie or Camembert cheese
• 1  cup extra-dry champagne or apple cider
• 1/3  cup sugar
• 1/4  cup water
• 1/2  teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2  teaspoon whole allspice
• 1  inch stick cinnamon
• 1  vanilla bean, halved lengthwise (optional)
• 4  firm, ripe pears, peeled, halved, and cored
• 10  cups mesclun or torn romaine
• 2/3  cup dried tart cherries or dried cranberries
• 1/2  cup broken walnuts, toasted
•   Champagne Vinaigrette* (see recipe below)

Directions

1. For the cheese pieces: Place flour in a shallow dish. Place egg white in another shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, place bread crumbs. Coat Brie or Camembert pieces with flour; dip in egg white, then in bread crumbs. Place coated pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet. Place in freezer until needed.

2. For the pears: In a large skillet, combine champagne, sugar, water, cloves, allspice, stick cinnamon, and vanilla bean, if you like. Bring to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat. Carefully add pear halves to skillet, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until pears are just tender. (Test for doneness by inserting a wooden toothpick into the thickest part of a pear. The pears should still be slightly firm, but the wooden pick should penetrate easily.) Remove from heat. Drain pears, discarding liquid and spices. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until chilled.

3. To serve salad, in a large bowl, combine mesclun, half of the cherries or cranberries, and half of the toasted walnuts. Pour half of the dressing over salad mixture; toss lightly to coat. Set aside. Remove baking sheet from freezer. Bake Brie or Camembert in a 425 degree F oven for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is softened, slightly bubbly and golden brown. Place a pear half and a cheese piece on each salad plate. Place some of the dressed mesclun in the center of each plate. On each serving, drizzle a little more vinaigrette and sprinkle with remaining cherries or cranberries and walnuts. Makes 8 servings.

*Champagne Vinaigrette: In a screw-top jar combine 1/4 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cover and shake well. Serve immediately or cover and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake before serving. Makes 1/2 cup.