Tuesday, June 1, 2010

A Boy and His Dog and Swiss Chard with Hot Bacon Dressing

My sister M and her family adopted a puppy a few days ago. Is there anything more precious than a boy and his dog?



My CSA share arrived last week with a beautiful bunch of Swiss Chard.

If you've never tasted this versatile vegetable, run, don't walk to your nearest market and buy some. When picked young it can be eaten raw in salads. It will remind you of a crunchy, slightly spicy spinach. When picked at its peak it can be lightly sauteed and dressed a number of ways. Sauteed chard is milder than cooked spinach and will pick up the flavor of its cooking medium.

Wilted Swiss Chard with Hot Bacon Dressing: serves 4

8 cups gently torn swiss chard leaves, washed and spun dry.

Hot Bacon Dressing:


8 slices bacon
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt, and slowly pour in water and vinegar, whisking constantly.
In a medium skillet, add the crumbled bacon and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.

While hot spoon over swiss chard to wilt the greens and serve immediately.

A Cook's Notes: this dressing will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and is excellent over young dandelion greens or spinach. Treat the dandelion or spinach the same way as the swiss chard. The sweet and sour notes of the dressing pair beautifully with pork and chicken. It is also wonderful served over a baked potato.








15 comments:

  1. That dog is the cutest thing I've seen all day! I love swiss chard.

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  2. Awww,cute pic of your nephew and his dog! And that Swiss Card w/ bacon dressing sounds delicious!

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  3. i am so looking forward to cooking a meal tonight! I had popcorn for supper on Friday. It was too crazy to even stop and eat a sandwich. The puppy is so precious! My little grandson has a new dog, a boxer named Rocky. I can't wait to meet him.

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  4. Oh, yum! I've never known what to do with swiss chard so thank you.

    I so want to cuddle that little puppy:) I remember when mine was just a tiny thing. They're like babies-they grow up far too quickly. If I could just slow the passage of time I might be able to fully revel in the amazingness of my children...

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  5. Unknown - me too on both counts.

    Marguerite - they are cuties, aren't they? What is it about a boy and his dog? And the Swiss Chard is wonderful, so full of flavor and nutrients.

    Kathy - having no time for a decent meal, that is just not right. What is it about puppies (and grandlittles) that is so sweet?

    Whitney-I feel the same way. I think it is the "womanism" in us that makes us so susceptible to babies be they human or animal.

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  6. I am afraid of wilted greens. I don't know why. They always seem like they'd be kind of slimy, so I don't make them. I'm going to have to get brave though. I am. That dressing might be the fix for it. I assume you just cook it quickly.

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  7. That is THE prettiest picture of swiss chard and it is a favorite here. I even throw it into summer fruit smoothies occasionally. Thanks for the ideas!

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  8. Dear, I have not been here for a while...or anywhere other then facebook. Stupid school takes all my play time.

    I do need to say I cannot wait to buy your cookbook. The day will come when that will happen. In the mean time when I get to work tomorrow I have to print out at least 8-10 delish looking things to make at my house! Thanks for sharing.

    Tamis

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  9. Kate - come into the green light, there is no sliminess here!

    Robynn - Swiss Chard is a beautiful plant isn't it? I too love sneaking greens into fruit smoothies, an excellent way to get more bang for the buck!

    Tamis - "Stupid" school? Puleeze... you are a gifted and dedicated caregiver. That is what your passion is and I salute you for giving it your all. If I lived near you I would bring you and your cuties dinner at least once a week - anything to make things a little easier... I check in on you every now and then on Facebook - its always good to see an old friend!

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  10. I found my way here by chance and had intended only to say hello before moving on. I, instead, began reading your earlier posts and stayed far longer than I planned. I really enjoyed all that I found here and will be back as often as I can. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  11. Title to post had me thinking you cooked a kid, a puppy, bacon, and chard... :)

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  12. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm...Nothing better than fresh spinach...and if swiss chard (I've never had it) is a spicy version, COUNT ME IN!!!! And what's more? It's so colorful!!! Speaks to the arty side of me! What a spectacular photo! And your nephew and puppy are adorable!!! Love it! Such fun! Love, Janine XO

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  13. What do you do with those beautiful stems? Is it possible to chop them up and saute? Got some swiss chard today from our CSA and hate to waste the stems.

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  14. Mary - and now it is my turn to spend some time at your gorgeous site. So glad we found each other!

    Buffalo - LOLOL.. I see what you mean..

    Sniffles - I hope you give it a try. Swiss Chard is insanely good for you!

    Margaret - Yes, do chop those stems and saute or wilt them. Just discard any that are too big or woody. You shouldn't have that problem right now, in the spring as all the chard is young.

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  15. I've been getting the adoption itch lately. My two old girls would probably have a heart attack if I brought home a puppy!
    Swiss chard is incredible!!! And so colorful.

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Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I love feedback... what with being a cook and all. I will respond to your comments via email (if you do not have a "noreply" address or here, below your comment) As always, Bon Appetite!

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