1523. MIXED GREENS with FIVE-SPICED BACON and POACHED EGG

serves six


For the Candied Bacon: 8 ounces slab bacon, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 6 to 8 slices)
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

For the Salad: 2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 large Fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
8 cups assorted micro-greens or European mixed salad greens

For the Poached Eggs:
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
6 large eggs
five-spice powder (for garnish)

For the Candied Bacon, arrange bacon slices in single layer on foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in preheated 400°F oven 15 minutes or until bacon edges begin to curl. Remove pan from oven. Carefully drain drippings into a glass measuring cup. Set aside. Microwave honey and five-spice powder in small microwavable bowl on HIGH 30 seconds, stirring after 15 seconds. Brush bacon with honey mixture. Bake 10 minutes longer or until bacon is browned and crisp. Carefully drain any additional drippings into measuring cup. Cool bacon on wire rack. Break into bite-size pieces. Set aside.

For the Salad, mix water, lemon juice and five-spice powder in small bowl. Add apple slices; toss to coat well. Mix 1/4 cup of the warm bacon drippings, vinegar, shallots, mustard and pepper in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Set aside.

For the Poached Eggs, fill large deep saucepan with 2 inches of water. Add 1 tablespoon vinegar; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Break 1 egg into small dish. Carefully slide egg into simmering water (bubbles should begin to break the surface of the water). Repeat with remaining eggs. Poach eggs 3 to 5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken. Carefully remove eggs with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.

To serve, divide greens among 6 plates. Top each with a poached egg. Sprinkle eggs with additional five-spice powder. Arrange drained apple slices and bacon around salad. Warm dressing if needed and drizzle over salads. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: McCormick & Company, Inc., 18 Loveton Circle, Sparks, Maryland 21152, 410-771-7301