Spinach Salad

6 slices of bacon, chopped fine
2 Tbs. minced shallot
1/2 cup finely chopped apple
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups unpasteurized apple cider
1 tsp Dijon-style mustard
1 Tbs. olive oil
8 oz mandarin orange slices
1 pound fresh spinach

A Regular Guys Recipe

Remove all stems from the spinach.  Wash the leaves well and spin dry, then place in a large bowl.

In a large skillet cook the bacon over moderate heat, turing it, until it is crisp.  Transfer it to paper towels to drain.  Discard all but two tablespoons of the fat.  Use that remaining 2 Tbs of bacon fat to cook the shallots and apples over moderate heat for about 1 minute.  Add the vinegar and the cider (you may also add salt and pepper to taste) and bring to boil, stiring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is reduced to about 1/2 cup.  Whisk in the mustard and olive oil.

Put the mandarin orange slices in the bowl with the spinach.  Pour the warm dressing over the spinach leaves in the bowl and toss well.  Sprinkle the bacon crumbs.

Serves