• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 large or 5 baby fennel bulbs , tough bottoms and stalks removed
• 3 stalks celery
• 2 McIntosh apples , cored, seeded, and cut into quarters
• 3 slices bacon , cooked crisp and crumbled

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine lemon juice and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend well and set aside.

Cut fennel bulbs in half. Using a mandoline or a knife, thinly slice fennel, celery and apples. Add dressing and salt and pepper to taste. Add bacon just before serving to keep crisp. Serve on chilled plates.

Recommended substitution: For a meatless salad, substitute 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese for the bacon.