Bacon Salad Dressing From The Biltmore Estate Food

BACON SALAD DRESSING FROM THE BILTMORE ESTATE

Steps:

• In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the bacon and cook until crisp.
• Drain off two-thirds of the fat. Add the celery and onions to the bacon and sauté until lightly browned, approximately 9 minutes.
• Add the vinegar and cook, uncovered, until the mixture has been reduced by half, about 3 minutes. While cooking, stir in the Dijon mustard and seasonings.
• When the mixture has been reduced by half, add the sugar and cook until dissolved. Stir in the brownings and seasoning sauce.
• Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring until the dressing is thickened.
• Cool, then transfer to a storage container and refrigerate.
• To serve, dip out the amount of dressing you need (allow 2 tablespoon per person) and reheat the dressing in the microwave until it is very hot but not boiling.
• Drizzle over the greens, toss and serve.
• It keeps indefinitely in the refrigerator.

BACON AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Slice bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry until just crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Remove bacon from pan, and all but 2 Tbsp of the bacon fat.
• Gently saute the onion until just soft, making sure not to brown.
• Add the brown sugar, blend in and then add the vinegar. Reduce for a minute or two.
• Add the olive oil, as much as to your taste and the salt and pepper to taste.
• Cool, but do not refrigerate. Dress your salad just before serving.
• Serve this warm or at room temperature over a salad of hearty greens like romaine. I usually add some very finely sliced red onion rings, mushrooms and homemade croutons, but let your imagination work here. I've thought of trying it in the summer with just onions and fresh sliced strawberries.

CREAMY BACON SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• I put all the ingredients in my mini food processor.
• If you want to mix by hand, the bacon should be minced fine.
• This is a thick dressing to toss with a salad. if you prefer a thin dressing to pour over the salad, substitute milk for the cream.