Blackberry and Goat Cheese Salad

This recipe was part of our Valentine's Day dinner, yet I feel it deserves a post of its own, so here you go!

Blackberry and Goat Cheese Salad with Spiced Nuts

Mixed salad greens
6 ounces blackberries
2 ounces goat cheese
Sliced Vidalia onion, optional
Spiced Nuts (see below)
Blackberry Vinaigrette (see below)

Layer salad greens on plate. Sprinkle blackberries, goat cheese and onions on top. Drizzle with Blackberry Vinaigrette and garnish with Spiced Nuts. Serves 4.

Spiced Nuts:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
dash ginger
dash cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup pecans or walnuts

Melt the butter in a small frying pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until toasted. Cool to room temperature.

Blackberry Vinaigrette:
6 ounces blackberries
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Press the blackberries through a fine mesh sieve. Add the remaining ingredients to the pureé and combine well. Chill.