Southern Spinach Salad

In a small pot over medium heat, rehydrate figs in vinegar for 1/2 hour. Let this mixture cool, then place in food processor, and pulse until figs are in small pieces. In a medium-size bowl, whisk figs and shallots and add 1 1/2 cups olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Sprinkle the triangular toasts with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toast the croutons in the oven. Crumble some of the blue cheese on top of each crouton. Melt the blue cheese on the toast points underneath the broiler.

While cheese is melting, toss the baby spinach in the fig vinaigrette. Divide the spinach onto 2 plates, add 1/2 the onion slices and 1/2 the toasted pecans. Place 3 hot croutons on each plate.

This recipe yields 2 servings.