Passionate about Bacon

SERVES: 2-3
COOKING TIME: About 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS: 5 slices thick-cut British bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces, 3 Tbs. olive oil, 2 cups 1-inch-square bread cubes (cut from 1/2-inch-thick slices of sturdy bread), 1 large clove garlic, Sea salt, 1 small shallot, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 tsp. tarragon vinegar or other white-wine vinegar, Freshly ground black pepper, 2 romaine lettuce hearts, sliced crosswise into 1-inch pieces, washed, and spun dry (about 6 lightly packed cups), 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

​

Method
Cook the bacon over medium heat in a 12-inch nonstick skillet, stirring frequently until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Pour off and discard the bacon fat from the skillet. Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and cook, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes, until crisp on the outside and lightly browned. Transfer to the plate with the bacon to cool. Coarsely chop the garlic and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Using the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste. Heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic paste and the shallot and cook, stirring, just until the garlic is fragrant and the shallot softens a bit, 30 seconds; don’t let the garlic brown. Transfer to a large bowl, add the parsley, vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and stir until well combined. Add the romaine and tomatoes to the bowl and toss with the dressing. Add the bacon and croutons, season to taste with more salt, and toss again. Serve immediately.