Spinache Salad

My sister sent me a recipe for spinache salad that had a long list of stuff to put in a spinache salad along with some dressing. We picked out favorites and I made a few alterations to the dressing and we don't have it in us to switch it up. You can put whatever you want, and it would be good...as long as you don't forget the bacon. Yup, you heard me, bacon is a MUST. Don't try to skip it or you'll be real sorry.

Spinache Salad:

1 bag spinache, rinsed and dried
1/2 craisens
2 green apples, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 lb bacon, diced
1 1/2 cup sweet and spicy pecans

Mix all ingredients and top with dressing.

Sweet and Spicy Pecans:

3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon generous fresh cracked pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 325°F Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Combine corn syrup and next 4 ingredients in large bowl. Stir to blend. Add pecans; stir gently to coat. Transfer to baking sheet. Place large piece of foil on work surface. Using fork, stir pecans to coat with melted spice mixture. Bake until pecans are golden and coating bubbles, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer to foil. Working quickly, separate nuts with fork. Cool. (Can be made 3 days ahead- store airtight at room temperature).

Art City Salad Dressing:

1/3 cup oil (vegetable or olive)
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. Raspberry jam (more to taste)
1 Tbsp. Poppy seeds

Blend ingredients in a blender
If you are sick of the same darn salad try mixen it up, here are some suggested courtesy of my sister:
Spinach, Baby Spinach, Green Leafy Lettuce or Greens Craisons
Grated Cheese-Swiss, Parmesan
Sunflower Seeds, Sesame seeds, Sliced Almonds, Cashews, pecans etc.
Mushrooms, avocado, grape tomatoes Mandarin Oranges, pears, strawberries, seedless grapes, mangos
Bacon Purple onion, green onion, minced sweet onion ChickenPick Ingredients, Chop, Mix, Serve