2645. COOL MELON SALAD with HOT BACON

serves two for lunch or 4 as a part of a larger meal


4 or 5 strips of smoked bacon, cut into 3" pieces
1 small, sweet melon such as cantaloupe
several small mint leaves, torn if big
a small handful of arugula or spicy cress, washed and dried well

Dressing
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons lemon juice - about one large lemon
freshly ground pepper
a few mint sprigs

Start the bacon cooking. Slice the melon in half, scoop out the seeds and cut into wedges. Cut the skin off the flesh and the flesh into large cubes. Remember to tend to the bacon while cutting the melon. Place the cubes in a bowl and chill in the fridge. Whisk the olive oil, honey and lemon juice in a bowl. Reserve. Drain the bacon. Toss the melon, arugula/cress and mint with a drizzle of dressing. Add the bacon, toss again, and garnish with the fresh pepper and mint springs. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Dana Velden, The Kitchn, August 9, 2010