Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Vicki in CT's Note:

From Southern Living. Great salad dressing. The directions state to puree in blender, however, it works just as well simply shaking in a jar.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1.5 cups

• 4 slices bacon
• 4 tablespoons shallots , minced
• 2 tablespoons garlic , minced
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons orange juice
• 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons course grainy mustard
• 1⁄3; cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp; remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 T drippings in skillet.
2. Cook shallots and garlic in hot drippings for 3 minutes, or until tender. Add brown sugar and cook stirring constantly for one minute or until sugar is dissolved.
3. Process garlic mixture, orange juice, and remaining ingredients in blender until combined.
4. FYI the cooked bacon is not actually used in this recipe, but you can top your salad with it if desired.

Reviews

[**Tinkerbell**]

This brought back lots of good memories. One of the first "gourmet" recipes I ever made was a hot bacon dressing, over fresh baby spinach, when I was about 15 or 16 years old. It's been my favorite dressing ever since but I haven't made it in years. This recipe, by FAR, is superior to any other I've tasted. I didn't blenderize it because I happen to love the look of grainy mustard & I think that the aged balsamic vinegar just puts this over the top. The entire combination was melodic. I wouldn't change a thing! Thanks for posting, Vicki! Made & enjoyed for ZWT-6 Team Xtra Hot Dishes! :)

[CindiJ]

I love spinach salad with hot bacon vinaigrette dressing. My mom has always just used the bacon drippings, bacon and a little vinegar which was very good. But this recipe is just awesome!! I think the combination of the mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and oj is the key. Divine! This is how I will make our fresh spinach salad from now on. Thanks Vicki for a great PAC Spring '09 and this keeper of a recipe!