Bringing Home the Bacon-Orange Salad

By the end of the summer season, most taste buds wilt at just the mention of another salad. But Crunchy Bacon-Orange Salad, a warm spinach salad, gets a tangy boost from the addition of orange slices and is a change of pace for late summer dining.

The dressing can be microwaved at the last minute and poured over the salad at the table. Toss in the bacon before serving. Serve with crisp bread sticks.

CRUNCHY BACON-ORANGE SALAD

12 slices bacon

1 medium orange

1 medium jicama, cut julienne

8 cups spinach leaves, stems removed

1 small onion, grated

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Pepper

Cut bacon into 2-inch pieces. Place on microwave-safe bacon rack, cover with paper towel and microwave on HIGH (100%) 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towel. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings.

Meanwhile, peel orange, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Separate each slice into sections. Arrange along with jicama on bed of spinach on serving platter and set aside.

Combine onion, garlic, vinegar, bacon drippings and honey in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) 2 minutes.

Pour dressing over spinach and toss until slightly wilted. Add bacon and toss lightly. Season with pepper and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.