DIRECTIONS

1. Combine water and sugar in a small to medium sized sauté pan and bring to a boil. Add walnuts and stir continuously until all syrup is evaporated. Remove from heat and keep stirring until walnuts are covered with a sandy coating.
2. Return to medium heat and stir until coating begins to melt and caramelize. Remove from heat and place on wax paper to cool. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper if desired. Once cooled, store airtight.
3. Mix together all salad ingredients excluding blue cheese and place on 4 plates.
4. Whisk the dressing ingredients and drizzle onto salad. the blue cheese and walnuts on salad and serve.