BLT Salad

Recipe adapted from Gourmet.

• 6 bacon slices (about 1/4 pound)

• 1/4 loaf Italian bread
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small red onion or a few green onions
• 1/2 pound cherry tomatoes (about 3/4 pint) or 3-4 smaller tomatoes, chopped
• 1 head Boston lettuce (or a combination of lettuces)

In a skillet, cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet, drain bacon on paper towels and crumble. Cut bread into enough 3/4-inch cubes to measure 1 cup. Heat fat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté bread cubes with salt to taste, stirring, until golden brown. Transfer croutons to paper towels to drain and cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Slice onion and halve tomatoes. Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces.

In a large bowl, toss together onion, tomatoes, lettuce, half of bacon and croutons, salt and pepper to taste, and enough dressing to coat.

Divide salad between 2 plates and top with remaining croutons and bacon. Serves 2.

Per serving: 463 calories; 39 g fat (9 g saturated fat; 70 percent calories from fat); 21 g carbohydrates; 38 mg cholesterol; 708 mg sodium; 10 g protein; 3 g fiber.