260. CRISPY BACON & CHEDDAR CAKES

makes about 12 cakes; serves 4


8 slices bacon
1½ cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
½ cup sour cream
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch dice
2 scallions, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dry mustard
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if necessary (optional)


Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off fat into a bowl. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel, and set aside.

Stir together, cheese, sour cream, bell pepper, scallions, flour, mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, cayenne, and egg yolks in a large bowl; set aside. In another large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold beaten egg whites into reserved batter.

Heat 2 tablespoons reserved fat (or vegetable oil) in skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 3 or 4, pour 2 tablespoons batter into skillet for each cake; cook, turning once, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes (add more fat or oil if skillet seems dry). Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with reserved bacon.


courtesy of: Martha Stewart Living Annual Recipes 2005, from the editors of Martha Stewart Living. New York: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., 2004. p. 191.