BITTER GREENS SALAD WITH MAPLE -BACON VINAIGRETTE

BITTER GREENS SALAD WITH MAPLE -BACON VINAIGRETTE image

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 bunches escarole, washed and leaves torn
2 heads radicchio, washed and torn
2 bunches watercress, washed and torn
1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6T red wine vinegar
3T pure maple syrup
2t Dijon mustard
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1c crumbled blue cheese
1c pecan halves, toasted

Steps:

1. Place the greens in a large bowl. In another bowl, toss the apples in the lemon juice, then place the apples over the greens. Top with the red onions and set aside. 2. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over moderately high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and pour the leftover fat into a bowl. Add the vinegar to the pan and reduce by half. Add the maple syrup and the mustard and bring to a simmer. Slowly add 5 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat and stir until emulsified. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. 3. Let the vinaigrette cool for 1 minute (it should still be warm), then pour it over the salad and toss to combine, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Transfer the sald to a serving bowl, top with the bacon, blue cheese and pecans and serve.