Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the bacon out onto a sheet pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. Pour 1 tablespoon of the hot bacon fat into a 12″ skillet. Leave the remaining on the sheet pan.
• Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Add the sliced apples to the sheet pan, spreading them in an even layer. Roast the apples for 10 minutes. Give the apples a flip and roast for another 5 minutes, or until golden. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat the skillet with bacon fat over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast until golden and fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt. Spoon the pecans out onto a plate lined with paper towels.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil, the shallots, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the shallots are caramelized and softened. Stir in the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Let simmer for 30 seconds or so. Transfer this mixture to a mixing bowl and let cool for a few minutes. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste (you want the vinaigrette to be very well seasoned).
• Add the mixed greens and arugula to a large mixing bowl. Add the roasted apples, pecans, bacon (roughly chopped), blue cheese, and raisins. Pour in the vinaigrette and toss to combine.
• Taste the salad and season with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve immediately.