Spinach Salad {with warm bacon vinaigrette}

I've been making this salad for as long as I can remember.

And it's one of my very favorites!

My family loves it, too.

Let's do this:

Fry about four strips of bacon.

Set aside & let it cool completely.

Then chop it up.

Meanwhile, back in your skillet:

DON'T drain the grease!

Leave it right there in your pan.

However, if this freaks you out totally (but really, it shouldn't...it's not a lot),

You can spoon out some of it and replace it with olive oil.

(But it won't taste as bacony.  That's my warning to you.)

Oftentimes I do this step in advance, then set it all aside until just before dinner.

So, when you're ready to make & serve,

warm the pan of grease. 

 Throw in some salt and pepper.

(about 1/2 tsp. salt & 1/4 tsp. pepper)

**Not pictured**

Whisk about a tablespoon of honey.

Then add some red wine vinegar.

About 1/4 cup.

Whisk it up until it is simmering.

Now, give it a taste!!

You might want it a tad sweeter.

Or more vinegary.

Or less vinegary.

Or more salty.

Whatever!

This is the time to adjust it to your liking. 

Prepare your salad bowls with fresh spinach.

And let me tell you, sliced mushrooms are a fabulous addition to this salad!

But I didn't have any for this round.

So, forget I ever said anything about that.

Just before you're ready to serve your salads,

top with your bacon bits and drizzle the dressing on top.

It doesn't take much. 

Guys, it's soooo delicious!

Such an elegant salad, yet super simple!

(Here it is all together)

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing:

Fresh Spinach

4 slices of bacon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1.  Fry about four strips of bacon.

Set aside & let it cool completely.

2.  Chop bacon into bits.

3.  Meanwhile, back in your skillet:

DON'T drain the grease!

Leave it right there in your pan.

However, if this freaks you out totally (but really, it shouldn't...it's not a lot),

You can spoon out some of it and replace it with olive oil.

4.  Add salt, pepper, honey, and vinegar.

5.  Bring to a simmer.

6.  Taste it and adjust it accordingly.

7.  Drizzle over a bed of spinach, topped with bacon bits.

ENJOY!!!