3108. WILTED ESCAROLE SALAD with FIGS, BACON and BLUE CHEESE

yields 4 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)


2 bacon slices 
1 head escarole  
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
2 tablespoons minced shallots 
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 
1/4 cup dried figs, chopped 
2 tablespoons sugar 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 4 ounces)

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and crumble. Set aside, and reserve 1 teaspoon drippings in pan. Place escarole top-down in pan, and press down gently. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until wilted. Flip, and cook 1 minute. Remove to cutting board; coarsely chop escarole, discarding core, and transfer to a large bowl. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; add minced shallots, and cook 3 minutes or until golden brown. Add balsamic vinegar, orange juice, dried figs, and sugar to pan; stir to dissolve sugar and thicken. Pour dressing and figs over escarole, tossing gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Mound on top of chicken; top with cheese and bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Health.com