BLT Salad with Ranch

Ingredients
12 ounces center cut bacon, cut into small pieces
4 cups French bread, in 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups baby arugula
4 cups baby romaine lettuce
4-6 cups tomatoes, cubed
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
12 cup ranch dressing

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Cook the bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.

3. Toss bread cubes with bacon fat, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden, 12-15 minutes, shaking the pan once.

4. Place bacon, croutons, and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix well and serve.  

[No photo!]

Comments
I found this recipe on Epicurious.com when I was looking for ways to use up the arugula I got this week in my CSA box.  It’s not that different from the BLT salad I posted previously and it’s still delicious.  The croutons tossed in the bacon fat were a great component.  

Sadly, I have no photo because I managed to cut my finger while cutting the bread.  Wound care trumped photography!

Internet - Epicurious