Caramelized Bacon and Fennel Salad

This is a great winter salad because the bacon and fennel can be served on the spinach a little warm. The caramelized bacon is a great compliment to the fennel which gives a bold flavor to the salad. I usually find fennel too strong, but caramelizing it makes it more mild and sweet. This is an easy salad that looks beautiful.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl combine:

6 slices of uncooked bacon, chopped

1 bulb of fennel, cut into slices

2 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients with hands and arrange on baking sheet in a single layer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the bacon and fennel are golden brown and caramelized. Let cool for about 5 minutes and then put onto of about 5 cups spinach and toss with vinaigrette dressing (recipe to follow).

Vinaigrette

In a blender, add:

2 tablespoons red win vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon slat

dash of pepper

Blend of a few seconds and while pulsing the blender add:

1/4 cup olive oil

Blend until combined.

Serves 4

Related posts:

1. Bacon and Egg Tart
2. Buffalo Chicken Salad
3. Grilled Vegetable Salad
4. Pear, Avocado and Gorgonzola Salad
5. Bacon Biscuit Dressing