3863. TWO-BEAN SALAD with ROASTED POTATOES and BACON

Servings: 4


4 slices bacon
1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
6 ounces wax beans, trimmed and halved
6 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 scallions, thinly sliced
4 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Divide bacon between two rimmed baking sheets; cook until browned, 8 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels, reserving sheets. Crumble bacon into bite-size pieces. Add potatoes to sheets, season with pepper, and toss to coat with bacon drippings. Cook until potatoes are brown on bottoms, 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Remove sheets from oven and flip potatoes with a metal spatula.

In a bowl, combine beans, capers, and oil; divide between sheets with potatoes. Cook until potatoes and beans are tender, about 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl; toss with bacon, scallions, and vinegar.


bacon recipe source: Martha Stewart, Everyday Food, July/August 2010

3429. PASTA with BACON and SARDINE CREAM SAUCE

yields four servings


1 pound dried long, thin pasta, such as spaghettini, spaghetti, or linguine
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 slices bacon (about 1 ounce), finely chopped, or 1 additional tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
1 (6.5-ounce) can skinless and boneless sardines packed in olive oil, drained well, or 8 fresh sardine
fillets
2 tablespoons capers, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 or 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or additional extra virgin olive oil

In a large pot of heavily salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add about one third of the garlic and cook for a minute or two, until soft.

Add the bread crumbs, stir to coat with the oil, and cook until the crumbs are lightly toasted. Be careful not to let them burn. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley and the lemon zest.

Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the bacon. Cook until the fat has rendered from the meat, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook for another minute. Add the sardines and capers and cook, mashing the sardines with a spoon, for another 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer.

Add the heavy cream to the pan and return to a simmer. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the frying pan along with the butter and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon parsley. Toss to coat the noodles with the sauce. Simmer for a minute or two, until the sauce thickens and adheres to the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with the toasted bread crumb mixture.


bacon recipe source: Mitchell Davis, Executive Vice President, the James Beard Foundation; author of Kitchen Sense (Clarkson Potter, 2006), host of Taste Matters on Heritage Radio Network

3265. BIG EGG, BACON and BEAN SALAD

serves 6 


750 (1.5 lb.) grams salad potatoes
3 eggs
200 (1/2 lb.) grams fine green beans, trimmed
6 rashers smoked streaky or back bacon
100 (3.5 oz.) grams Kalamata olives, stones in or out, it's up to you
100 (3.5 oz.) grams bag baby spinach

For the dressing
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine, red wine or cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons capers, drained
2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
handful shop-bought croutons, to serve 

Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add salt, then drop in the potatoes and set the timer for 20 mins. With 8 mins to go, add the eggs to the pan, making sure they’re submerged. With 4 mins to go, add the green beans. When the cooking time is up, drain everything together in a colander, then cool under cold water. 

While everything boils, heat the grill to high. Grill the bacon for about 8 mins, turning halfway, until crisp and golden. Snip into bite-size pieces. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together with some seasoning in an airtight container. Peel the eggs and cut the potatoes in half. Layer up the potatoes, beans, olives, spinach and bacon, in that order, in a large lidded container, then tuck the eggs around. Chill until needed. 

Just before eating, lift out the eggs and cut in half. Shake or whisk the dressing again, then toss the salad with most of the dressing. Scatter the eggs and croutons on top, drizzle the rest of the dressing over the cut eggs, then tuck in.


bacon recipe source: Jane Hornby, Good Food Magazine, BBC, August 2010

3110. SCALLOPS with GRAPEFRUIT and BACON

makes four servings 


1 large grapefruit 
3 ounces slab bacon, cut into 1-by- 1/4-inch matchsticks 
1 1/4 pounds sea scallops (about 20) 
salt 
freshly ground pepper 
1/4 cup minced onion 
1/2 cup Sauvignon Blanc 
2 tablespoons drained capers 
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 

Using a sharp knife, peel the grapefruit, removing all of the bitter white pith. Working over a bowl, cut in between the membranes to release the sections. Squeeze the juice from the membrane into another bowl; you should have about 3 tablespoons of juice. 

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer it to a small plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. 

Season the scallops with salt and pepper, add to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat until browned, 3 minutes. Turn the scallops, add the onion and cook over moderate heat until the scallops are just cooked through, 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate. 

Add the wine and grapefruit juice to the skillet and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Cook, scraping up any browned bits. Strain the liquid into a heatproof cup, then return it to the skillet. Add the capers and butter and cook, shaking the pan, until the sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the scallops and any juices to the skillet; turn to coat them with the sauce. Add the grapefruit sections and bacon and serve right away.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Grace Parisi, Food & Wine, October 2012

3045. CAMPFIRE GRILLED ROMAINE SALAD with CRISPY BACON and CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

4 heads of romaine lettuce

12-14 slices of thick-cut bacon
4 avocados
2-3 limes
2-3 tomatoes
2 poblano peppers
2 zucchini
1 clove garlic, grated


For the chimichurri sauce:
1 bunch cilantro, chopped roughly
1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped roughly
1-2 bunches oregano, chopped roughly
1 small red onion, minced finely
10 drops Tabasco
1 tablespoon capers, chopped roughly
2 cups olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
Zest of 1 lime, grated
Juice of 2 limes

Cook the bacon in a pan on top of fire to preferred texture and reserve the fat. Coat the poblano peppers lightly in oil, place on grill, and char all around. Take the peppers off the grill place in a bowl. Cover to steam (this will help peel them later). Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, score lightly, toss with oil and rub with garlic. Grill with cross hatching technique both sides. Cut romaine in half lengthwise, wash, dry, coat lightly with olive oil, and season with salt. Place on grill to get light smoke flavor and light grill marks. Cut avocados in half, remove pit, cut into slices (in the skin) and remove with large spoon. Set slices on plate, sprinkle with salt and squeeze lime juice over them. Cut ripe tomatoes into wedges and season with salt.

For the chimichurri sauce: Combine all ingredients, season with salt. When the ingredients have time to meld, they taste even better.

To assemble: Place half a zucchini on each plate. Cut the grilled half head of romaine and place as an 'X' on top of zucchini with core at bottom. Arrange tomatoes, sliced avocado, and roasted peppers around the romaine. Drizzle generously with the chimichurri sauce and top with crisp hot bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Jennifer Biesty, Scala's Bistro, 432 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA

3011. PAPPARDELLE with PUMPKIN, BACON and TORN BREAD

makes four servings 


400 grams peeled, seeded, butternut pumpkin
200 grams piece sourdough bread 
4 slices rindless short-cut bacon 
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 
2 tablespoons baby capers 
2 cloves garlic 
1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley 
375 grams fresh pappardelle
1 lemon 
150 grams fresh ricotta

Preheat oven to 220C fan-forced. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Meanwhile, coarsely grate pumpkin. Cut crusts from bread, then tear into small pieces. Thinly slice bacon.

Line a large oven tray with baking paper. Place pumpkin on tray, drizzle with 1 tbs oil and scatter over capers. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine. Spread mixture to cover half the tray. Place bread and bacon on other half of tray. Drizzle with 1 tbs oil and toss bread mixture to combine. Bake, stirring each mixture halfway through, for 12 minutes or until bread is golden and pumpkin is tender.

Meanwhile, thinly slice garlic and roughly chop parsley, reserving a few leaves to serve. Add pasta to boiling water, return to the boil, then cook for 2 minutes or until al dente. Drain, reserving 180ml (3/4 cup) cooking water.

Heat remaining 2 tbs oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 1/2 minutes or until golden. Add pasta, reserved cooking water, pumpkin and bread mixtures. Squeeze over juice from lemon, tear over half the parsley, then toss to combine.

Divide pasta among bowls, then top with small spoonfuls of ricotta. Tear over reserved parsley to serve.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Sophia Young & Jessica Brook, MasterChef, August 2012

2962. SMOKED TROUT, WATERCRESS, CRISPY BACON and GRIBICHE SANDWICH

sandwich bread, sliced and buttered
watercress or rocket
streaky bacon, 2 rashers per person, cooked until crisp
smoked trout
salt and freshly ground black pepper
gribiche sauce (recipe below)

Gribiche

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped chervil leaves
2 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons capers, finely chopped
3 tablespoons gherkins, finely diced

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

To assemble: Place the buttered bread on a clean surface or chopping board. To each slice add a layer of watercress then two rashers of the crisp bacon. Top with chunks of smoked trout then spoon over some dollops of the gribiche. Season with salt and black pepper and finish the sandwiches with another slice of bread.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Al Brown, Cuisine, #118, PO Box 6341, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141, Auckland 1021, New Zealand

2851. CRAB and BACON FLAUTAS

serves six


1 cup crab meat, well drained
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onion
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper sauce

1 6" white corn tortilla, well crumbled

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoons capers, drained

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

6 8" flour tortillas

1/2 batch salsa

 

Combine all ingredients except the tortillas in a large bowl. Place ¼ cup crab mixture down the middle of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly. Secure with a toothpick. Place flautas in a deep fat fryer heated to 350ºF. Fry until golden and drain on a paper towel lined surface. Serve with salsa.

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: Mission Food Service, 1159 Cottonwood Lane #200, Irving, Texas 75038

2821. CREAMY BACON and OLIVE TAPENADE SPAGHETTI

yields four servings 


6 ounces pitted black olives, drained
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 teaspoon capers
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 ounces spaghetti
5 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1 clove garlic, minced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
freshly grated parmesan cheese and additional chopped fresh basil for garnish, optional 

In the bowl of a food processor, place the olives, chopped garlic, anchovy paste, capers, lemon zest, walnuts, chopped basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Process until finely chopped. With the processor running, stream in the olive oil and process until fully combined; set aside. 

Bring 3-4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Break spaghetti in half lengthwise, add to boiling water and salt according to taste. Cook spaghetti according to package directions to al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water; set both spaghetti and pasta water aside. 

Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add in the bacon and cook until crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes; remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Place skillet with bacon drippings back over medium heat. Add in the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, cook 1 additional minute. To the onions, add in the reserved olive tapenade mixture, cream cheese and about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and cook until cream cheese melts, approximately 1-2 minutes. Add in the reserved spaghetti, reserved bacon, minced basil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; mix until fully combined, adding in enough of the remaining pasta water to loosen up the cream cheese mixture and create a sauce. 

To serve, place spaghetti onto a serving platter or dinner plate and garnish with parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Sirbarney (member), Relish.com

2747. YELLOWTAIL TARTAR with BACON and TANGERINE DRESSING

yields four servings


Bacon and Tangerine Dressing:
3 tangerines, zested and juiced
1 pound sliced bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard

Crostini:
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Yellowtail Tartar:
1 pound yellowtail tuna, 1/4-inch dice
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, picked and chopped
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon chipotle puree
3 scallions, thinly sliced
3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked and finely chopped
1 shallot, brunoised
1/2 lemon, juiced
Olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bull's blood, for garnish
Chervil, for garnish

Special Equipment: 2 1/2-inch ring mold

Note: Bull's blood is a variety of heirloom beet, typically grown and used for its dark purple leaves.

For the bacon and tangerine dressing: Strain the tangerine juice through a mesh strainer into a small saute pan. Bring the juice to a simmer and reduce to a syrup consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon in a little olive oil until crispy, about 7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving the fat from the pan in a small bowl.
Whisk together the mustard, 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat, the tangerine zest and the tangerine reduction in a small bowl.

For the crostini: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toast the fennel seeds in a small saute pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes, and then grind in a spice grinder. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with a little olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper and ground fennel seed. Grill until the bread is toasted, 3 minutes per side. Remove and reserve.

For the tartar: Combine the yellowtail, parsley, capers, vinegar, mustard, chipotle puree, scallions, thyme, shallots, lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil in a large bowl. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Plate with the ring mold.

Drizzle some of the dressing around the plate and garnish with reserved bacon pieces. Dress the bull's blood and chervil with some of the vinaigrette, season with salt and black pepper, and use to garnish the tartar. Serve with the crostini on the side.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Bobby Flay, "Worst to First: The Final Battle," Worst Cookes in America, Food Network

2700. ROASTED BLACK GROUPER with ARTICHOKE-BACON MASHED POTATOES, SAUTEED SPINACH and LEMON CAPER SAUCE

yields four servings

4 7 oz. black grouper fillets

2 lb peeled yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 lb unsalted butter
1 qt heavy cream
4 artichokes hearts (fresh or canned, if fresh blanch for two minutes)
6 bacon strips, cooked and coarsley chopped
2 cups dry white wine
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons capers
3 sliced shallots
salt and pepper 

Sauce: Bring the wine with the shallots, garlic and capers to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until almost dry. Add the rest of the heavy cream and reduce to 1/2 of the original volume and add the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Slightly cool and slowly incorporate butter.

Potatoes: In a heavy pot bring potatoes to a boil in salted water to taste. Cook until soft. In a sauce pan heat 1/2 qt heavy cream and 3/4 butter. When the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain and pass through a food mill (ricer) or whip on a Kitchen Aid (mixer) slowly adding the cream and butter mixture until incorporated. Chop the artichokes and add the bacon season with salt to taste.

Fish: Season fish with salt and pepper. Heat up a pan and add 1 tablespoon of oil (your preference). Brown on one side and finish cooking in a 375° oven until cooked (about 6-8 minutes).

To finish: Spoon the sauce in the center of a warm plate. Place the mashed potatoes in the center as well and place the spinach, followed by the fish on top. Garnish with fresh flat leaf parsley.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Baleen Los Angeles, 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 | Americas Cuisine.com

2657. BACON and CONFIT ONION BALLOTINE with GRIBICHE SAUCE and POTATO DUMPLING

500 grams ballotine shredded bacon
3-4 white onions, finely sliced
4 slices parma ham
pickled thyme 
100 grams butter (½ for sweating onions)
25 ml olive oil
teaspoon capers
chopped chervil + parsley
seasoning 
50 grams diced potato

Gribiche sauce: 
1 teaspoon diced gherkin 
1 teaspoon capers 
1 teaspoon chopped parsley 
1 teaspoon chopped chervil 
1 grated egg, hard boiled
1 teaspoon mustard
vinegar
sunflower oil

Potato dumplings: 
20 grams parmesan 
75 grams flour 
175 grams mash potato 
20 grams butter
chopped herbs
seasoning 
1 egg
breadcrumbs
oil for frying eggs

Sweat finely sliced onion and thyme in half the butter and olive oil. Add bacon and warm through. Season mix and add remaining ingredients, except for the parma ham. Allow to cool slightly. Lay the parma ham on a sheet of cling film, slightly over lapping the meat. Place the mix at one end, in line of Parma ham. Then roll the Parma around the mix, making sure to keep it tight. Roll the ham, filled with the mixture in cling film and place in fridge. Allow to chill.

Gribiche Sauce: Mix grated egg yolk and mustard. Then add the vinegar and whisk in oil slowly to make a type of mayonnaise. Finally add the remaining ingredients and serve.

Potato Dumpling: Firstly warm up the potato. Then add flour, butter and other ingredients. Divide and roll into balls. To finish, flour and egg wash the balls before deep frying the dumplings.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Thomas Haughton, RTÉ Food, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster), Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland

2481. SALAD of MACKEREL, BACON and POTATOES

serves 4 as a light main course


For the salad:
1 small and sweet onion
3 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
500 grams small salad potatoes
mixed leaves frisée, watercress, rocket

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
6 tablespoons groundnut oil
1 heaped teaspoon capers
4 bushy sprigs dill

For the fish:
6 thin rashers smoked streaky bacon
4 fresh fillets mackerel
plain flour a little for coating
groundnut oil a little

Peel and finely slice the onion into rings. Put them into a small bowl with the white-wine vinegar and set aside for 30 minutes or more, tossing occasionally. This removes any harshness and will slightly soften the onion's flesh.

Boil the potatoes in deep, generously salted water for 15 minutes until they are tender. Drain, and when they are ready, slice each thickly and add them to the dressing below.

While the potatoes are boiling make the dressing by putting a generous pinch of salt in a bowl, adding the cider vinegar and stirring to dissolve. Mix in the mustard, oil and then add the capers, rinsed briefly. Chop the dill leaves and stalks finely then add to the dressing and set aside. Add the drained and sliced potatoes as soon as they're ready.

Drain the onion rings, discard the vinegar, add the onions to the potatoes and stir gently. Set aside.

Warm a little oil in a nonstick frying pan over a moderate heat. Add the bacon rashers and fry until crisp, rest them briefly on a piece of kitchen paper, then snip into pieces the size of a postage stamp. Turn the heat off under the pan, but leave any bacon fat in the pan for cooking the fish.

Put a thin layer of flour on a plate and season with salt and finely ground black pepper. Lay the fillets in the flour, pat firmly then turn and coat the other side.

Warm the bacon fat, lower the fillets into the pan skin side down and leave to brown lightly. When the skin is just starting to crisp, slide a palette knife under the fish and turn it over. Lightly brown the other side, remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper. Gently break or cut each fish fillet into four or five rough pieces.

Divide the salad leaves between four plates or shallow dishes. Pile the potatoes and onion rings on top leaving any dressing behind in the bowl. Add the pieces of warm fish and scatter over the bacon. Spoon over any remaining dressing from the potato bowl and serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Nigel Slater, The Observer, March 19, 2011

2434. PAN-FRIED BRILL with CREAMED CABBAGE and BACON

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 rashers of unsmoked streaky bacon, derinded and chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
½ celeriac, peeled & diced
½ head of Savoy cabbage, core removed, finely shredded
200ml fresh cream
4 brill fillets, 170 – 200g each, skin removed
100 grams butter, diced
½ fresh lemon
small bunch of curly or flat parsley, roughly chopped.

Garnish: (optional)
2 tablespoons caper berries
2 tablespoons diced tomato, skin & seeds removed

Heat 2 tablespooons olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped bacon and fry for few minutes, then stir in the carrot & celeriac. Cover with a lid, reduce to a medium heat and cook for a further 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded cabbage and cook for a further 3 minutes, them pour in the cream. Simmer until the cream begins to thicken and the cabbage is tender. Remove from the heat and keep warm.

Heat a large non stick fry pan & add the remaining olive oil. Pat the fish fillets dry with some absorbent kitchen paper, then season with salt & pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the fish, skin side down and fry for 2 minutes until golden brown in color underneath.

Turn the fish over onto its other side and add the butter. Squeeze over the lemon juice and once the butter begins to foam, add the chopped parsley. Spoon the butter over the fish and remove from the heat.

Place the creamed cabbage in the center of four warmed serving plates topped with the brill fillets. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the brill fillets, garnish with the caper berries, diced tomato and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Avonmore, Glanbia Consumer Foods, 3008 Lake Drive, Citywest, Dublin 24 Ireland

2302. POACHED SKATE GRENOBLOISE with SAUTEED NEW POTATOES with BACON and AUTUMN TRUFFLE

serves four


4 small skate wings, edges trimmed
good pinch of sea salt
10 black peppercorns
3 star anise
cayenne pepper
1 fresh bay leaf
1 sprig parsley
1 sprig thyme
1 lemon, peeled and sliced

To serve (optional):
mixed salad leaves
squeeze of lemon juice
splash of extra virgin olive oil

For the potatoes:
1 tablespoon olive oil
400 grams cooked new potatoes, peeled and sliced
40 grams lardons of bacon, blanched
20 grams fresh truffles, grated
4 spring onions, green part included, finely sliced
3-4 juniper berries, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped chervil
20 grams butter
black pepper

For the Grenobloise:
200 grams unsalted butter
1 heaped tablespoon capers, crushed
1 generous dash of red wine vinegar
juice of 1/2 lemons
1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons small garlic croutons
black pepper

Put the skate wings in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Add the seasonings, herbs and lemon slices. Bring to a really gentle boil, and simmer for 1-1 1/2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave the skate to finish cooking in the hot stock for 8-10 minutes.

While the skate is cooking, fry the potatoes. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the potato slices and fry for 1-2 minutes until they start to become nice blond colour. Add the blanched lardons and fry for another minute. Add the truffle, spring onions, juniper berries and chervil. Finish with a knob of butter and fry for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a warm serving dish. Check the seasoning just before serving.

Now make the Grenobloise sauce. Put the butter in the same pan used for the potatoes. Melt it over medium heat until bubbling and golden nutty brown. Add the capers and cook for just a few seconds. Deglaze the pan with a splash of vinegar and lemon juice. Finish by sprinkling with the croutons and parsley. Season to taste. Immediately remove from the heat and pour into a warm jug.

Drain the skate and remove the bones. Transfer to warm serving plates. Add the potatoes and dress with the sauce. If you wish, serve with mixed salad leaves tossed in a little olive oil and lemon juice.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Pascal Proyart, Good Food Live, Good Food Channel/UK-TV

2301. SALT CODFISH with BACON and EGG-CAPER SAUCE

serves four


1 1/2 lb. salt codfish
2 strips bacon, fried and crumbled
1/4 cup American cheese, cubed
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 stick butter
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tablespoon capers
salt and fresh ground black pepper

Soak the codfish 24 hours, changing the water several times. Boil it gently for 20 minutes. Drain, remove the skin and bones and cut the fish into 2-inch squares; keep it hot. Fry the bacon until brown and crisp; drain it and crumble it.

Melt the butter in a skillet, remove from the heat and add the flour; mix well, then add the milk a little at a time, stirring constantly. Return to the fire and add the cubed cheese, capers and crumbled bacon; mix well. Place codfish pieces on heated serving plates, cover with the egg sauce and serve at once.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Provincetown Seafood Cookbook by Howard Mitcham, page 199. Provincetown, Massachusetts: The Hermit Crab Press, 1975

2265. SARDINES PUTTANESCA with BACON

serves eight


400 grams spaghetti, cooked
1 head garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
50 grams bacon, sliced into strips
1 bottle (250 grams) sardines in olive oil, drained (reserve oil)
1 can (400 grams) button mushrooms, sliced
500 grams Italian-style spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup water
26 grams (2 tablespoons) capers
75 grams (1/2 cup) black pitted olives, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons snipped parsley

Sauté garlic, onion, and bacon in sardine oil. Cook while stirring until bacon is brown. Add sardines, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, water, capers, olives, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add parsley. Pour over or mix with cooked spaghetti. Top with sardines, as desired.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Del Monte Kitchenomics, for Yummy Magazine online (SUMMIT DIGITAL, 6th Floor Robinsons Cybergate Tower 3, Robinsons Pioneer Complex, Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City 1550, Philippines), October 27, 2010

2243. SALAD of RUNNER BEANS, MANGETOUTS, BACON, CAPERS and PARSLEY

serves six


300 grams runner beans, topped and tailed, and cut into 3cm lengths diagonally
300 grams mangetouts, topped and tailed
250 grams rindless unsmoked streaky bacon, diced
45 mls small capers, rinsed
90 mls coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

FOR THE DRESSING
15 mls red wine vinegar
5 mls Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed to a paste
5 mls caster sugar
sea salt, black pepper
75 mls groundnut oil
30 mls extra virgin olive oil

Bring two large pans of salted water to the boil, cook the runner beans in one pan for 6-7 minutes until tender, and the mangetouts in the other pan for 2 minutes, drain them both into the same colander and briefly refresh under the cold tap.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the bacon and fry in its own fat for 9-11 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally and separating the pieces. Drain on kitchen paper and leave to cool.

To make the dressing, whisk the vinegar, mustard, garlic, sugar and some seasoning in a bowl, then gradually whisk in the oils until you have a thick, creamy emulsion.

Combine the beans, bacon, capers and parsley in a large bowl. You can prepare the salad to this point up to a couple of hours in advance, in which case cover everything and set aside, and toss with the vinaigrette shortly before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Annie Bell, Country Living | All About You

2159. FLATBREAD with BACON and SCALLION PESTO

yields four servings


4 thick strips bacon, thinly sliced
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
Pinch of sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon capers
1/2 cup fresh parsley
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
1 pound frozen pizza dough, thawed
All-purpose flour, for dusting

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until browned and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain; keep warm. Add the onion slices to the drippings in the skillet; sprinkle with the sugar and season with salt and pepper. Cook until light brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Taste for seasoning.

Combine the scallions, capers and parsley in a food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste and half of the lemon zest; pulse gently to chop and blend. Turn the processor on and add the olive oil through the top in a steady stream. Transfer the scallion pesto to a bowl; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk the creme fraiche and the remaining lemon zest until smooth. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Roll the pizza dough into an 8-by-14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the center of the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Spread the creme fraeche mixture on the crust. Dot with the onions and some of the bacon drippings from the pan; sprinkle with the bacon. Slice into pieces and drizzle with scallion pesto.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Alex Guarnaschelli, Food Network Magazine

2034. FRIED GREEN TOMATO BLT with CREOLE REMOULADE

2 green tomatoes, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
1 cup flour
2 eggs beaten with a little water added
2 cups Panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
Creole remoulade (recipe below)

Season the flour and the tomato slices with salt and pepper. In a 3-step process, dredge each tomato slice in the flour, shaking of the excess, then into the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Bread all the tomato slices before you begin frying.

In a deep skillet heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The ideal temperature for the oil is between 325-350 degrees. If you have a thermometer, use it. If not, wing it. If the oil is too cold, the tomatoes may be soggy. If it’s too hot the breadcrumbs will darken but the tomatoes will not be cooked. Fry the breaded tomatoes, turning once. You want a nice even golden brown color. Do them in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Place cooked tomatoes on a cookie sheet, ideally with a rack so they can drain. Season with salt and pepper.


Creole Remoulade
1 stalk finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon or whole-grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon horseradish
2 tablespoons capers, or chopped dill pickles
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes hot sauce
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients well and chill.

BLT Assembly: Toast the bread of your choice (I prefer Cuban bread). For each sandwich, stack two fried green tomatoes, 4 slices of crispy bacon, and some shredded lettuce. Top with Creole remoulade.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Patrice Knezevic, Daily Loaf: Creative Loafing Tampa's Blog, 1911 North 13th Street, Suite W200, Tampa, Florida 33605, July 12, 2010