An elegant first course salad composed of sliced ripe, juicy pear arranged atop a bed of Bibb and romaine lettuce, dressed with a mildly sweet raspberry cream dressing and garnished with crisp smoked bacon crumbles, Parmesan cheese and fresh raspberries.

Pear Salad with Raspberry Cream

3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup raspberry preserves
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 firm, ripe pears
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 head Bibb lettuce, torn
1 small head romaine lettuce, torn
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
6 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients. Set dressing aside.
2. Peel pears, if desired; quarter pears. Brush with lemon juice.
3. Arrange lettuce on 4 plates. Arrange pear quarters over lettuce. Drizzle with dressing; sprinkle with cheese, bacon, and raspberries.

Makes 4 servings.