Name: Spinach Salad with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Bourbon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1/4 c. bourbon; 3/4 c. olive oil; 2 tbsp. apple-cider vinegar; 1 tbsp. maple syrup; 1/4 tsp. Sea salt; 1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper; 9 slice bacon; 8 oz. fresh spinach; 1/2 c. pecans; 1 green apple; 1 breakfast radish; 4 oz. mild blue cheese

Step 1In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring bourbon to a boil. (If the alcohol in the bourbon ignites, quickly cover saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to tamp out the flame; then remove the lid.) Cook until liquid is reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a ramekin and refrigerate until well chilled.

Step 2In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, syrup, salt, pepper, and reserved bourbon. Set aside.

Step 3In a small skillet over medium-low heat, cook bacon until crispy, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Set aside.

Step 4In a large bowl, combine spinach, pecans, apple, radish, blue cheese, and reserved bacon. Toss gently with reserved vinaigrette.