Stolen From The Sun... :)

One of my favorite friends is named Sunshine.  Some of you may know her from my other blog.  So when I say "THE" Sun, there's really only one I could be referring to.  About two weeks ago when So You Think You Can Dance started up again, (I LOVE that show...) I had a kick off BBQ.  Sunshine brought the following salad... or something close to it. haha I say that because I thought I asked her for the recipe so I could take it to my family dinner last Sunday.  She wasn't emailing back and time was running out so I went to the store and made up what I thought might be in it.  I later checked my email and FB only to find out that I had completely forgotten to ask her for the recipe at all! LOL dah!  Anyway, here's some version of this really great salad.  I have no idea what its called so let's call it...

Ceasar's Bowtie

Ingredients:
1 package bowtie pasta, cooked and drained*
1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
1 small package craisins
1 1/2 cups candied almonds**
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan
1 bottle Ceasar dressing***
****

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, bacon, craisins and almonds.  Toss well.  (I found it easier to do this without the spinach in it.)  Add spinach and toss.  Pour dressing over the top in about 1/2 cup portions at a time.  This way you can gauge how much sauce to put in.  Some like it more dry.  I'm a sauce girl.  When well combined, sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.  Chill well and serve cold.
* Follow directions on the package.  In case you're wondering, bowtie pasta looks like a bowtie, but I think the technical pasta name is Farfalle pasta.  Also, make sure you rinse your pasta with cold water really well.  Then, if you want to avoid pastiness with the dressing, cook your pasta beforehand and let it cool down.  As pasta cools, it will absorb dressing and the starches will make it really pasty.
** Candy-ing any kind of nut can be tricky.  I just followed the directions in my red and white checked Better Homes and Garden Book under Candied Nuts.  Here's what I learned- DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED!  haha Sugar and heat can be best of friends and worst of friends.  Be careful.  When done right, they are the secret ingredient in here.
*** I used Litehouse Ceasar.  Sunny said to use a specific kind but I can't remember what brand.  Maybe she'll be nice enough to leave a comment for all of us?  Pretty please, oh wondrous Sun? ;)
**** How the crap do you really spell Ceasar?  Caesar?  I never know.