Arugula Salad with Roasted Peaches, Pistachios and Mozzarella

Summary: Have mercy, this is good. If peaches aren't in season, substitute a fruit with a rather similar taste profile that is.

Yield: serves 6

Ingredients:

• one 5-ounce box (or the equivalent) fresh baby arugula
• 1/3 cup roasted, salted pistachios
• 1 large ball fresh mozzarella
• 5 peaches, washed, halved and pitted (unpeeled), preferably organic
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, divided
• extra-virgin olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper
• agave syrup

Instructions:

Wash and dry the arugula, place in a large mixing bowl, toss with the pistachios and set aside. Slice the mozzarella into thin rounds and then cut those into halves. Set aside.

Place an oven rack in the top third of your oven and set the temperature to low-broil. Set the peach halves cut side up on a baking sheet and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over them. Place the pan in the hot oven, and roast until the sugar has dissolved and the peaches have started to slump, about 5 minutes, maybe more depending on ripeness of the heat of your low-broil. Remove from the oven and let cool while you make the vinaigrette.

In a small bowl, mix together your preferred ratio olive oil and balsamic vinegar; I like nearly as much vinegar as oil. Season with salt and pepper and about 1 T agave syrup. Whisk vigorously, taste and when you like it, pour over the arugula-pistachio mix. Using your hands, gently toss the salad and dressing until the leaves are evenly coated. Mound in the center of a serving platter.

Cut the peach halves into halves (now you've got quarters) and alternate them with the mozzarella slices in a ring around the salad. Drizzle the peaches and cheese with a little olive oil and serve.