3966. SPINACH, GRAPES and BACON

Makes: 4 servings


8 slices bacon

4 cups grapes

1/4 cup raspberry vinegar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Dash each salt and ground black pepper

6 cups baby spinach

4 ounces dilled havarti cheese, shaved

Pecan halves (optional)

In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels reserving 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet.

Meanwhile, halve 2 cups of the grapes.

Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper to skillet. Heat 30 seconds just until warm.

In a large bowl combine spinach, and halved grapes; add warm drippings mixture. Toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates. Top with cheese and bacon. Serve with remaining grapes and pecans.

bacon recipe source: Better Homes and Gardens (@BHG) 

960. SAUTEED BEET GREENS with MESQUITE BACON and CANDIED PECANS

yields 12 portions


1 lb. mesquite smoked bacon, diced and fried until fairly crisp (Reserve 1/2 the rendered grease to cook the greens in)
5 large bunches of beet greens, stems removed, well washed and cut into 1" thick strips
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon garlic, crushed
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups whole candied pecans
salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the garlic and beet greens in the bacon fat, coating well. Add the chicken stock and cover with a lid for about 2 minutes until the greens are well wilted, then toss well adding the raspberry vinegar, the crisp bacon and the candied pecans. Place in a serving bowl and serve hot.


Candied Pecans

yields 2 cups

2 1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cup sugar
2 cup whole shelled pecans

Bring the water and the sugar to a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Toss the nuts into this syrup and bring back to a boil for 1 minute. Drain the nuts well and spread on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with granulated sugar. Sprinkle more sugar on the nuts and let dry for 2 to 3 hours.


courtesy of: Janos Wilder, Janos Restaurant and J BAR, 3770 East Sunrise Street, Tucson Arizona 85718, (520) 615-6100 / adapted from Recipes and Tales from a Southwest Kitchen, Ten Speed Press, 1989

345. SPINACH, RAISIN and BACON SALAD

makes 4 to 6 servings


4 cups spinach leaves
3 thick slices (or 3/4 cup) smoked bacon, diced
1/3 cup sliced shallots or chopped onions
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup raisins
2 teaspoons Sugar
1/2 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
freshly ground black pepper and croutons (optional)

Place spinach in large bowl. Cook bacon in medium skillet until crisp, drain on paper towel and set aside. Cook shallots in bacon grease for 3 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in vinegar and water. Add raisins and sugar; simmer for 3 minutes. Pour hot dressing over spinach. Add parmesan cheese and bacon; toss well. Top with croutons and pepper.


courtesy of: Robert Rothschild Farm, 3143 E US Highway 36, Urbana, Ohio 43078, 866.565.6790