Spinach Salad with Strawberry Dressing

A fresh from the garden salad is a wonderful accompaniment to any dinner - be it casual or sophisticated.  A spinach salad can be impressive especially when served with a strawberry vinaigrette.  Creating good food to be served to the people you love the most is so rewarding.   

• 1 lb. fresh spinach leaves, stems removed
• 3 ozs large, cleaned white mushrooms
• 6 strips of cooked bacon
• salt and pepper to taste
• Strawberry and poppy seed dressing (recipes follows)

Wash the spinach and dry it.  Mix the mushrooms, spinach, bacon and salt and pepper.  Drizzle the strawberry, poppy seed dressing over the salad, toss and service immediately.  Yum!

Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing

• 1 c sliced strawberries
• 2 T granulated sugar
• 5 T white wine vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
• 1 T poppy seeds

In a medium bowl, mix strawberries,, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Place in a food processor and process until just until smooth (approximately 30 seconds).  Through the feeding tube, slowly add olive oil.  Return the mixture to the bowl and whisk in the poppy seeds.  Drizzle over spinach salad and serve immediately.