Ingredients

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, halved
  • 14 cup good quality maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 lime, juice and zest of
  • 14 cup olive oil
  • 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ear white corn on the cob, fresh, cut off the cob
  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 14 cup bocconcini, torn into pieces
  • 12 red onion, finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffanade
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread, 8 slices (dont get the precut bread)
  • 12 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 red pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 1 red jalapeno, de-seeded and coarsely chopped
  • 12 cup pitted black cerignola olive (you can substitute black olives if you cant find in gourmet section)
  • 12 cup manzanella olive
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 shallot, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Method

  • For the bacon -Preheat oven to 450.
  • Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
  • Place a baking rack over the paper lined tray and arrange bacon slices across the rack do not overlap.
  • In small bowl combine the syrup and cayenne.
  • With pastry brush, brush the bacon generously with the mixture.
  • Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until done.
  • Set aside until ready to use.
  • For the Summer Salad In bowl, add the vinegar, honey, Dijon and lime juice and zest.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • While whisking, slowly drizzle the olive oil to make a dressing.
  • Add remaining ingredients to bowl and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Set aside until ready to use.
  • For the bruschetta In large saute pan, add the olive oil, cayenne and garlic.
  • When garlic has browned, remove and discard.
  • Add the bread slices and cook until browned.
  • You may need to add more olive oil to pan if the bread soaks up too much.
  • Flip the bread and season with salt and pepper.
  • Continue cooking on this side until it is browned.
  • Remove to tray and set aside until ready to plate the dish.
  • For the Zesty Olive Spread in food processor, place all ingredients.
  • Pulse until all ingredients are pureed.
  • Check for seasoning and set aside until ready to use.
  • Assembly Place two pieces bread on each plate.
  • Spread the zesty olive spread ontop of the bread.
  • Lay two pieces candied bacon ontop of the spread.
  • Top with the summer salad.