Nutty Greens With Bacon And Blue Cheese Recipes

SOUTHERN-BRAISED GREENS WITH BACON

Steps:

• In a large, heavy pot cook the bacon until it has rendered most of its fat, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, salt, cayenne, and black pepper and cook until the onions are wilted, about 4 minutes. Add 1 quart of water, the beer, vinegar, and molasses and bring to a boil. Begin adding the greens in batches, pressing down with a wooden spoon to submerge them in the hot liquid and adding more as they wilt. When all of the greens have been added, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the greens, partially covered and stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until tender.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, PECANS, BACON, AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Fry chopped bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined 1/4-sheet tray to drain.
• Toast pecans in the oven on a 1/4-sheet tray until lightly golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
• In a medium bowl mash the blue cheese with a fork. Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, sugar, salt and pepper, to taste.
• Combine baby spinach, red onion, pecans, dried cranberries and bacon in large bowl. Toss with the dressing immediately before serving.

FIELD GREENS WITH PEARS AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Just before serving time, peel, core, and slice the pears. Combine the greens, pears, walnuts, and blue cheese in a large salad bowl. Drizzle half the Port-Shallot Dressing over the top and toss. Drizzle in the remaining dressing, tossing until the greens are well coated-you may not need to add all the dressing. (Leftover dressing can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week for another use.) Season with salt and pepper, and toss again.
• Place on chilled salad plates and serve.
• Pour the port into a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, or until the port is reduced to 2/3 cup without the shallots. Set aside to let cool.
• Pour the port and shallots into the conainer of a blender and puree. Add the vinegar and blend well. While the motor is running, drizzle the oil through the hole in the blender top and continue to blend until emulsified and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside; refrigerate if not using immediately.

GREEN BEANS WITH BACON AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large casserole, place green beans and margarine.
• Microwave greenbeans to desired doneness.
• Just before serving, top with bacon and blue cheese.
• Toss to mix.
• Do not add blue cheese too far ahead of time.
• If you have to reheat, it melts and turns into an un-appetizing mess!

NUTTY GREEN BEANS WITH BLUE CHEESE AND BACON

Steps:

• 1. bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the haricots verts and cook for about two minutes. With a slotted spoon or strainer, transfer the beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Once there cooled, drain the beans and reserve.
• 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Add the beans to the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes. Add the blue cheese and toss just until it starts to melt. Break the cooked bacon into bite size pieces and add to the skillet. Finish by stirring in the toasted chopped pecans. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and just tiny pinch of kosher salt. Serve at once. Serves four.