Flaming Spinach Salad Recipes

PERFECT SPINACH SALAD (NO, REALLY)

Steps:

• Make the hard boiled eggs, if using (or make them in advance). Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the pecans, soy sauce, maple syrup and smoked paprika to a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. When it just starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low but still slowly bubbling. Simmer 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last minute when the liquid is mostly evaporated, stir continuously until it is totally cooked out and the nuts start clumping together. Immediately remove from the heat and transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Sprinkle with 2 pinches kosher salt and allow to cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette.
• Thinly slice the shallot. If using apple instead of hard boiled egg, thinly slice the apple.
• Place the spinach on plates or in bowls. Top with hard boiled eggs or apple slices, smoky pecans, sliced shallot, and feta cheese crumbles.

SPINACH SALAD FLAMBE

Steps:

• Tear spinach into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
• Add egg slices, salt and pepper.
• Mix remaining ingredients except brandy in small saucepan and heat until very hot.
• Heat brandy briefly, add to saucepan and ignite.
• Pour flaming dressing over spinach and toss gently but thoroughly.
• Serve on warm salad plates.

PF'S ETERNAL FLAME SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Clean spinach and dry in salad spinner. Can be cleaned ahead, stored in a plastic bag until needed.
• Place spinach and optional ingredients in large salad bowl.
• In large frying pan, fry bacon until crisp stirring often, Discard some of the bacon drippings if desired (probably 1/4 cup is sufficient.).
• Add sugar, mustard, vinegar, optional chopped shallot and stir until mixture boils. Heat brandy until warmed in a glass measure in the microwave. Pour into vinegar mixture, ignite with long match and shake pan until the flames die. Don't do this below the cook top hood or any other flammable object.
• Pour hot dressing over spinach & toss. Sprinkle with chopped eggs and chopped pecans (walnuts, hazelnuts or even sunflower seeds optional). Add salt & pepper to taste. Other additions could be canned mandarin orange slices, dried cherries, or cranberries.
• Have local Fire Department ready on Speed Dial.