Spinach Salad on Garlic Croutons

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F.

   Step 2

   Place the eggs in a small pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let stand for 10 minutes. Run the eggs under cold water, crack them, and return them to the cold water for a few minutes to loosen the shells, then peel and chop the eggs.

   Step 3

   While the eggs come to a boil, arrange the bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and rub the toast with cut garlic, drizzle with EVOO, and sprinkle with the cheese. Return to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to set the cheese into the toast.

   Step 4

   While the bread toasts, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Add the pancetta to the hot oil, crisp for 3 minutes or so, then add the mushrooms and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper and deglaze the pan with the Marsala or sherry.

   Step 5

   While the mushrooms cook, combine the spinach with red onions and dress with the lemon juice, a liberal drizzle of EVOO, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

   Step 6

   To serve, arrange the toasts on a platter and top with the mushrooms, then the spinach, and garnish with the chopped eggs.