Slow Cooker French Lentil Soup – Fustini's Oils & Vinegars

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon (about 3 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped fine (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped medium (about 1 cup)
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup lentils (7 ounces), rinsed and picked over
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 4 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 ½ teaspoon Fustini's 18-Year balsamic
• 5 ounces chopped frozen, thawed spinach, or fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups 1/2 inch diced fresh bread
• 3 tablespoons Fustini’s Garlic olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste