Raw Beet Winter Salad

I saw this on the Food Network a few years ago, and love it. It turns out pink (beets + Stilton). It's part of Christmas menu this year and I've taken to many a potluck. Friends have enjoyed this for not knowing it contains raw beets, which are not really sweet. :) I'm posting here for safe keeping.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup pecans, halves
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 1  raw beet, peeled, coarsely, grated
• 1  fuji apple (or any other hard apple)
• 1  fennel bulb, trimmed, grated
• 1⁄2 cup of fresh mint, stem removed, chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
• 4  ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Pour maple syrup into a small bowl. Toss nuts in syrup, remove with a slotted spoon, and bake on aluminum foil or a cookie sheet for approximately 10 minutes, or until nuts are roasted and syrup solidifies around nuts.
3. In a large bowl, add beet, apple, fennel, mint, salt and pepper. Toss. Add oil and vinegar, Stilton and nuts. Toss and serve immediately.