Best Bacon And Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes

PAN ROASTED COD, SHIITAKE QUINOA, OVEN ROASTED TOMATO AND SAUTEED ARUGULA WITH BACON BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE AND SWEET SUMMER CORN MILK

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Season the fish on all sides with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a saute pan over high heat. Sear the fish on the flesh side until it is golden brown. Turn the fillets over carefully and place the pan in the oven. Cook the fish in the oven to desired doneness. When the fish is done place 1/4 of the Shiitake Quinoa in the center of the plate. On top of the quinoa place a slice of Oven Roasted Tomato. Place the fish on top of the tomato. Place 1/4 of the Sauteed Arugala on top of the fish. Spoon the Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette and Summer Corn Milk around the plate.
• Heat the oil in a saute pan. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they start to release their liquid and soften. Add the quinoa and stir to coat the grains. Add the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on a low flame until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked, about 12 minutes. Take off the heat, season with salt and pepper and stir in the butter. Set in a warm place covered until needed.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the 4 slices of tomato in a baking dish large enough to fit the tomatoes in 1 layer. Season with salt and pepper and place 1 piece of bay leaf on each tomato slice. Sprinkle a little of the garlic and thyme on top of the tomato slices. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Place the dish on the middle rack in the oven and roast until the tomato is just hot and soft, about 2 to 3 minutes (convection oven), do not overcook. Take out of oven, remove pieces of bay leaf and set in a warm place until needed.
• Heat the oil in a saute pan. Add the arugula and stir around until leaves are wilted. Season with salt and pepper, remove from the heat and set aside.
• Chop the bacon and put in a pan over a medium-low flame. Render the fat making sure not to let it burn. When the fat is rendered out of the bacon add the balsamic vinegar. Add the butter and blend in with an immersion blender or hand held electric beater.
• Cut the corn off the cob by running a knife down the length of the cob. Put the corn kernels in a juicer or into cheesecloth and squeeze to extract the corn milk. Put the corn milk into a small saucepan.
• Heat gently over a low flame and stir frequently (be careful not to heat it too quickly). When the corn milk is hot add the chives and butter and mix with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper and reserve in a warm place.

BACON AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Slice bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry until just crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Remove bacon from pan, and all but 2 Tbsp of the bacon fat.
• Gently saute the onion until just soft, making sure not to brown.
• Add the brown sugar, blend in and then add the vinegar. Reduce for a minute or two.
• Add the olive oil, as much as to your taste and the salt and pepper to taste.
• Cool, but do not refrigerate. Dress your salad just before serving.
• Serve this warm or at room temperature over a salad of hearty greens like romaine. I usually add some very finely sliced red onion rings, mushrooms and homemade croutons, but let your imagination work here. I've thought of trying it in the summer with just onions and fresh sliced strawberries.

SPINACH SALAD WITH SHRIMP, FENNEL AND BACON-BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Mix 6 tablespoons oil, fennel seeds and crushed red pepper in small bowl. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Pour oil mixture over; turn to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush fennel wedges with 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill fennel until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to large bowl. Grill shrimp until opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to plate; tent with foil.
• Add spinach and tomatoes to fennel. Toss with enough vinaigrette to coat. Divide salad among plates. Sprinkle with bacon reserved from vinaigrette. Remove shrimp from skewers and arrange around salad. Garnish with chopped fennel fronds.

ASPARAGUS WITH BACON, RED ONION, AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to about 4 inches from heating element and heat broiler.
• Toss asparagus with oil and salt and pepper, then lay spears in single layer on heavy rimmed baking sheet. Broil, shaking pan halfway through to turn spears, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Cool asparagus 5 minutes and arrange on serving dish.
• Fry bacon strips in medium skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
• Whisk onion, vinegar, parsley, and oil in small bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle over asparagus, sprinkle with bacon, and serve immediately.