Make a Spinach-Bacon Salad in the Microwave

For a different salad treat try this Spinach-Bacon Salad. The microwave oven makes it easy to make.

SPINACH-BACON SALAD

1 pound spinach, stems removed

2 hard-cooked eggs

1/2 pound sliced bacon

1/3 cup cider vinegar

3 tablespoons water

2 or 3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Salt, pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

Wash and pat dry spinach. Peel and chill eggs.

Cut bacon strips crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Microwave in 1-pint dish on HIGH, covered with paper towel to reduce spatters, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until golden and nearly crisp. Drain on paper towel. Reserve 1/2 cup bacon fat.

Add vinegar, water, sugar and dry mustard to fat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside until serving time.

To serve, tear spinach leaves into medium-size pieces and place in 2-quart bowl. Dice and add eggs with freshly chopped onion.

Meanwhile, microwave dressing until boiling on HIGH about 1 minute. Pour over spinach, tossing gently with wooden salad fork to mix. Reheat bacon bits on HIGH 30 to 40 seconds until crisp. Sprinkle over salad. Makes 3 luncheon-size servings, or 6 side-dish servings.