Spinach Salad (level 1 pro/fats)

1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tbsp bacon fat
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 lb fresh spinach leaves
thinly sliced red onion, to taste
salt and pepper to taste
handful of cherry tomatoes

Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat, using wooden spoon to stir and separate the pieces, being careful not to burn the bacon. Remove cooked bacon from skillet and drain all but 2 tbsp of the bacon fat. Place skillet back on stove and add the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the skillet, heating the vinegar for about a minute while stirring and incorporating all the tasty bits from the pan.
To assemble the salad, put the spinach in a salad bowl and toss with the hot dressing. Crumble the bacon ontop, then add the remaining ingredients.

Beef, Tomato and Cabbage Soup (level 1 pro/fats)

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
3 stalks chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 medium head cabbage, chopped
2 can diced/chopped tomatoes with liquid
1 box beef broth
1 tbsp white vinegar
salt to taste

Place ground beef in soup pot with onion and celery and brown. Add cabbage once beef mixture is almost cooked. After ground beef is cooked, add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for an hour.

*I make this for our Soup Kitchen and it is always a hit. This soup tastes amazing.