Poached Pear Salad

Prepare the poached pears
Combine all ingredients in a suitable pot and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for ten minutes. Add the pears and simmer an additional ten minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and refrigerate. Strain the poaching liquid into a clean pot and bring to a boil again. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the liquid becomes thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Chill and reserve. 

Prepare almond vinaigrette
Combine all ingredients except the oil in a small bowl and mix. Add salt and pepper. Whisk in the oil and add more salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the dish
Slice the poached pears lengthwise into 1/4" slices and fan them around the outside of the plates. Toss the Asian pears, frisee and Italian parsley in the vinaigrette and divide into the center of each plate and sprinkle with the toasted almonds. Drizzle the reduced poaching liquid around the perimeter of the plate.