Pam and Paul's Awsome Cherry/Bacon Topped Salad

• 1 1/4 C. Tart Dried Cherries (Cranberries can be used, but they're not as good.)
• 1/2 C. Tawney Port wine
• 5 oz. Chopped Bacon
• 2 Shallots minced
• 1 Garlic Clove minced
• 1/3 C. Olive Oil
• 1/4 C. Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 1 - 5 oz. Log of fresh Goat Cheese
• 1/2 C. Walnuts (or Pine nuts)
• Spinach or other greens

Bring cherries and port to a simmer over medium heat then remove and let stand about 15 minutes while cherries swell. Saute Bacon in another pan. Add shallots and garlic to bacon and cook. Add oil, vinegar & sugar to bacon. Stir until dissolved. Add cherries to bacon and mix. You can let this mix sit up to 2 hours a head of time. Slice the goat cheese into 1/2 inch slices, put on a cookie sheet and heat in a 350 degree oven. Fill a plate with salad greens, top with dressing (toss), add a slice of warm cheese, and top with nuts.

Wow!

(Gretchen with Pam and Paul.)