Peas and Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Preheat oven to 425°. Arrange bacon in a single layer on a wire rack in a jelly-roll pan; bake 20 minutes. Turn bacon; bake 5 more minutes or until crisp. Cool 5 minutes; chop. Reserve 3 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. drippings.

Stir together peas, next 4 ingredients, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 tsp. bacon drippings in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes or until peas are tender. Drain peas, and discard garlic and thyme.

Sauté onion in remaining 3 Tbsp. hot drippings in a large skillet over medium heat 1 minute. Stir in vinegar, next 2 ingredients, and remaining 1 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds or until smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly. Stir in pea mixture, and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

Toss together parsley and kale in a large bowl. Top with peppers and warm pea mixture. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and parsley, and serve immediately.