Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 bunches fresh spinach (washed)
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
• ½ small red onion (sliced)
• ½ cup slivered almonds (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• bacon drippings
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot (or onion)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

1. 1

   Wash and dry spinach. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and set aside reserving drippings.

3. 3

   Turn bacon drippings down to low and add shallot. Cook 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

4. 4

   Add red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and sugar. Simmer 1 minute. Whisk in olive oil until the dressing is smooth.

5. 5

   Pour warm dressing over spinach and toss. Top with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.