3808. GRILLED KING TRUMPET MUSHROOM, KALE and BACON SALAD with LEMON-HERB VINAIGRETTE

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1/2 lb large meaty wild mushrooms such as king trumpet, porcini/bolete, or chanterelle

2 or 3 strips applewood-smoked bacon, chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, and/or mint

1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and leaves cut into strips crosswise

Kosher salt

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth, trim the stems, and cut into 1/2 thick slices. If the mushrooms are too small to place directly on the cooking grate of your grill, thread them onto skewers or have ready a perforated grilling tray. Prepare a charcoal grill for direct heat grilling over medium heat.

In a frying pan, cook the bacon, stirring, until crisp, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.

In a bowl, stir together 1 tbsp of the bacon drippings with the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Place the kale in a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little salt and the lemon juice, and massage gently with your hands. Set aside.

Brush the cooking grate of the grill clean, then oil the grate. Brush the mushroom slices lightly with the herb-oil mixture. Grill the mushrooms, turning frequently, until tender and browned, 6–8 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and brush with a little more of the herb-oil mixture. Chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Taste and season with a little salt.

Add the bacon and mushrooms to the salad. Drizzle with enough of the herb-oil mixture to lightly coat the salad, a tablespoon or so. Toss to combine and serve right away.

bacon recipe source: Kim Laidlaw and Wendy Goodfriend, Bay Area Bites (@bayareabites), KQED, August 23, 2014