2248. BACON and EGG MACARONI SALAD

yields six servings


6 large eggs
1 pound macaroni
1 pound good quality bacon
about 1/4 cup grated onion and its juice
1 clove garlic, grated or pasted
1 rounded tablespoon Dijon mustard
about 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimientos, drained
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the eggs in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the eggs stand for 10 minutes. Submerge the eggs in cold water to shock them. Crack the eggs and soak in the cold water. When cool, peel and chop.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the macaroni. Arrange all but 6 slices of bacon on a slotted baking sheet and put into the hot oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. When cool enough to handle, chop and reserve.

Chop the remaining bacon and add to the boiling water along with the macaroni. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain, rinse, and discard the boiled bits of bacon from the pasta.

While the pasta cooks, add the grated onion, garlic, Dijon, and vinegar to a mixing bowl. Whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil and season with lots of salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the pasta, chopped eggs, pimiento, parsley, and chopped crisp bacon pieces. Toss to combine and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Rachael Ray, "She Got Game," 30 Minute Meals