I am posting this on the heels of a mini-reunion with a bunch of my college girlfriends- some of whom I haven’t seen since we graduated. I hate to admit that it has been quite a while. Like I don’t think I’m aging in my own head- except for when I look in magnifying mirrors, or when I realize things like my knees creak on EVERY stair, or when I see there is some saggage happening or that I pretty much always look tired.

I have a 36th birthday next month and I am kind of in shock. When did all of these years flip by? How?

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

The great thing about old friends is that none of that stuff matters. When you see them it can be like no time has passed at all, much less 14 years. Everyone looked the same, had the same mannerisms, and funny stories and distinctive voice that I would know from across the room with my eyes closed- pretty cool. My reunion made me reflective of all the time that has passed and how happy I am. I am grateful for many, many blessings and it makes next weeks Thanksgiving seem a little more profound than just being a “Turkey Day.’ Instead I really and truly feel Thankful.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

And one of the ways I can show my love and gratitude is by making delicious and healthy dishes for them. Like this Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad Do you guys make salad on Thanksgiving? I know lots of families who “don’t bother” because there are so many incredible dishes to indulge in that they don’t want to “take up room” with salad.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

I on the other hand approach salad in a totally different way. I am a fan of piling as much delicious stuff as humanly possible onto the lettuce so that the salad in itself is a treat.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

And this salad is starring the coolest thing I have ever seen- Red Spinach!!! Trader Joes is carrying heirloom red spinach and it is the most stunning thing ever. Impress your guests by picking some up and then serving fuschia salad. I personally am planning to eat pink salad every night this week…

 

Recipe: Spinach Bacon Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Vinaigrette
  • 6 cups (1 bag) heirloom red spinach (Trader Joes)
  • 1 pear, ripe but firm
  • ½ cup candied pecans (Trader Joes)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 pieces crispy bacon, chopped into small pieces
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl whisk together the shallot, honey, vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with kosher salt.
  2. In a large bowl, gently toss together the spinach, pear slices, candied pecans, cranberries and bacon.
  3. Add a few tablespoons at a time of the dressing until it is lightly dressed and well seasoned. Serve immediately.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 6

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Categorized: Recipe Index, Salad
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I am posting this on the heels of a mini-reunion with a bunch of my college girlfriends- some of whom I haven’t seen since we graduated. I hate to admit that it has been quite a while. Like I don’t think I’m aging in my own head- except for when I look in magnifying mirrors, or when I realize things like my knees creak on EVERY stair, or when I see there is some saggage happening or that I pretty much always look tired.

I have a 36th birthday next month and I am kind of in shock. When did all of these years flip by? How?

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

The great thing about old friends is that none of that stuff matters. When you see them it can be like no time has passed at all, much less 14 years. Everyone looked the same, had the same mannerisms, and funny stories and distinctive voice that I would know from across the room with my eyes closed- pretty cool. My reunion made me reflective of all the time that has passed and how happy I am. I am grateful for many, many blessings and it makes next weeks Thanksgiving seem a little more profound than just being a “Turkey Day.’ Instead I really and truly feel Thankful.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

And one of the ways I can show my love and gratitude is by making delicious and healthy dishes for them. Like this Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad Do you guys make salad on Thanksgiving? I know lots of families who “don’t bother” because there are so many incredible dishes to indulge in that they don’t want to “take up room” with salad.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

I on the other hand approach salad in a totally different way. I am a fan of piling as much delicious stuff as humanly possible onto the lettuce so that the salad in itself is a treat.

Spinach, Bacon, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

And this salad is starring the coolest thing I have ever seen- Red Spinach!!! Trader Joes is carrying heirloom red spinach and it is the most stunning thing ever. Impress your guests by picking some up and then serving fuschia salad. I personally am planning to eat pink salad every night this week…

 

Recipe: Spinach Bacon Pear and Candied Pecan Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Vinaigrette
  • 6 cups (1 bag) heirloom red spinach (Trader Joes)
  • 1 pear, ripe but firm
  • ½ cup candied pecans (Trader Joes)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 pieces crispy bacon, chopped into small pieces
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl whisk together the shallot, honey, vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with kosher salt.
  2. In a large bowl, gently toss together the spinach, pear slices, candied pecans, cranberries and bacon.
  3. Add a few tablespoons at a time of the dressing until it is lightly dressed and well seasoned. Serve immediately.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 6

Recipe by Heather Christo (http://heatherchristo.com)