Swiss Chard anyone?

For the past few weeks I have been getting most of my produce from an organization that buys in bulk to divide between a large number of people within several communities. The name of this organization is Bountiful Baskets. It has been fun because I get a mixture of fruits and veggies, not knowing beforehand what will be in the basket when I pick it up on Saturday morning. This past Saturday, in my basket I found two large bunches of Swiss Chard. I had never seen it before, so I was glad it had a tag on it so I knew what it was. With a few ideas from my sister-in-law, I was able to prepare it as part of dinner. Thanks to bacon and onions, we all liked it.

So, here is what I did:
Cut up raw bacon in 1-2 inch pieces and cook it fully in large skillet.

Add:
- chopped yellow onion (about 1/4 cup or to taste)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- chopped stems of chard (1 inch pieces)
- salt, seasonings of your choice (not much because the bacon gives it flavor and salt)
Saute on medium heat for about 2 minutes and then add chopped leafy part of chard.
Reduce heat to low-medium and cook until chard is limp and darker in color (about 3-5 minutes).

OPTIONAL: You can drain the grease from the bacon before adding the other ingredients if you don't want your dish to be as oily. I think I will try that next time I make it to reduce the fat and oil. I also think mushrooms or almonds would be good additions to this dish. I served it hot with mashed potatoes. I think it is a beautiful vegetable and is also very nutritious.

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