3932. CORN and BACON SOUP with JALAPENO CREMA

Servings: 6


10 medium ears of corn, shucked
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces lean bacon, finely diced (1/2 cup)
1 celery rib, finely diced
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Kosher salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus cilantro leaves, for garnish
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground white pepper

Set a box grater in a wide, shallow bowl and coarsely grate 6 ears of corn; you should have 2 cups of grated corn. Cut the kernels from the remaining 4 ears; you should have 2 cups of kernels.

In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the bacon, celery, onion and yellow pepper, cover and cook over low heat, stirring a few times, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the grated corn, the milk and 1 cup of the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring often, until the soup is thickened, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and the cayenne pepper and keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, stirring a few times, until they are lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt. Stir the cooked corn kernels into the soup and keep warm.

In a blender, whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks, about 20 seconds. Add the sour cream, jalapeño, chopped cilantro and lemon juice and blend until thick. Season with salt and white pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with spoonfuls of jalapeño crema and cilantro leaves and serve at once.


bacon recipe source: Wolfgang Puck, Food & Wine, August 2007

3915. CREAMY JICAMA SLAW with BACON

4 servings, 1 cup each


1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 jicama, peeled, cut into thin matchlike sticks
1 carrot, cut into thin matchlike sticks
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Mix mayo, lime juice and pepper until blended. Combine remaining ingredients except bacon in large bowl. Add mayo mixture; mix lightly. Refrigerate 1 hour. Stir in bacon just before serving.

bacon recipe source: Kraft Foods, Kraft Foods Global, Inc., Three Lakes Drive, Northfield, Illinois 60093, June 30, 2011

3896. KALE and BACON QUICHE

1 single crust pie dough, blind-baked

5 large eggs

1 egg yolk

1 cup of milk

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

a dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

1 bunch of organic kale, chopped into bite-size pieces

5 strips of bacon, cooked and diced

½ medium-sized onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, grated

¾ cup of grated cheese (use your favorite!)

For the Blind-Baked Pie Dough
:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare the pie crust and flute the edges. Line the pie dough with a double layer of aluminum foil. Fill the pie pan with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice to weigh down the dough and prevent it from shrinking. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and prepare the quiche filling in the meantime.

For the Quiche:


Lower the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper and cayenne pepper. Set aside. You want the egg mixture to get to room temperature so it doesn’t take as long to bake.

Place the strips of bacon in a large skillet. Turn the heat on to medium-high and cook until crispy or to your desired preference. Remove the bacon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to remove any excess grease. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Using the same skillet you cooked the bacon, drain the excess bacon grease reserving about 1 teaspoon to cook the onions and garlic in. On a medium heat, saute the onions and garlic for 4-5- minutes or until translucent. Then add the chopped kale and cook for another 3-4 minutes until wilted. Set aside.

First, add the layer of bacon bits to the bottom. Second, add the layer of kale and onions. Grate ¾ cup of cheese, reserving ¼ cup for the top. Sprinkle the cheese over the kale layer. Gently ladle the egg mixture on top.

Top the egg custard with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese. Put the quiche in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the egg custard has set. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack. Let cool for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!


bacon recipe source: Sassy Pantry, June 5, 2013

3882. HERBED GRUYERE SCALLOPED POTATOES and BACON AU GRATIN

Serves: 8


2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
2 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 tablespoon butter, cut into 8 cubes


Spiced Cream
3 cups heavy cream
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 bay leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives ( or tsp dried)
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ½ tsp. dried)
¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg
½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoons pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Add the "Spiced Cream" ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes while you grease a 9x13 casserole dish and peel and slice potatoes into 1/8 inch slices. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl.

Spoon just enough of the herbed cream that has been simmering to cover the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour the remaining herbed cream over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.

Using a slotted spoon, layer the bottom of the casserole dish with 1/3 of the potato/onion slices (the slotted spoon will allow you to leave most of the cream in the bowl). Lightly season the layer of potatoes with freshly cracked salt and pepper (in addition to salt and pepper listed in ingredients). Layer 1 cup of the cheese, 1/2 of the bacon then top with 1/3 of remaining cream. Repeat layers.

Top the casserole with remaining potato/onion slices and pour over remaining cream. Dot the potatoes with cubed butter.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for one hour. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese then continue to bake, uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Test the potatoes to make sure they are tender. Continue to cook if necessary (will depend on how thin you cut your potatoes). When potatoes are done, broil until golden brown. 


bacon recipe source: Jen, Carlsbad Cravings (@carlsbadcravings), June 13, 2014

3855. BLUE CHEESE BACON MACARONI and CHEESE

Yield: About 3-4 servings


8 strips (about 1/2 lb.) bacon, diced
1 (12-ounce) can 2% evaporated milk
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
pinch of cayenne
8 oz. elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp. butter
5 oz. crumbled blue cheese
4 oz. freshly-grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Heat bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crispy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, egg, salt, pepper and cayenne until combined. Set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and then return it to the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Immediately add the butter, and toss until the butter is melted. Pour in the evaporated milk mixture and stir until combined. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce comes to a simmer.

Remove pan from heat and add in the cheeses. Stir until melted, then stir in the cooked bacon. Serve immediately, garnished with extra bacon and blue cheese if desired. 


bacon recipe source: Ali Ebright, Gimme Some Oven (@gimmesomeoven), February 24, 2014

3845. SMOKY CHICKEN TACOS with BACON

Yield: 10 tacos


3 slices bacon
1 1/2 - 2 pounds (680 g to 900 g) boneless and skinless chicken thighs (can substitute chicken breast)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add less/more based on how spicy you like your tacos)
1/4 cup chicken stock (substitute vegetable stock or water)
Juice of half a lime
Salt, to taste
10 Corn or flour tortillas, warmed
Optional taco toppings: onions, pickled red onions, cheese, sour cream or crema, avocado or guacamole, hot sauce, pickled jalapenos, lettuce or cabbage and cilantro

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning as necessary until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy. About 8 minutes.

Drain bacon on paper towels (save for later). Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.

Season chicken on both sides with salt. Place chicken in skillet, in a single layer, and cook until a crust forms, about 5 minutes, Turn and cook until thighs are just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes longer. Turn heat to low then transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into small pieces.

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander and garlic to the pan. Cook, while stirring, for 1 minute.

Place chicken back into the pan. Pour stock over chicken then use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Cook until stock has thickened and coated the chicken. Stir in lime juice.

Serve chicken next to warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings. (Don’t forget to crumble the bacon from earlier and add to the tops of your tacos).




bacon recipe source: Joanne and Adam Gallagher, Inspired Taste (@inspiredtaste), September 23, 2013

3833. MCINTOSH MAPLE CRUMBLE with CANDIED BACON

YIELD: 6 to 8 Servings


Candied Bacon
16 Applewood smoked bacon strips
1/2 cup raw cane sugar, to coat
Smoke cayenne pepper, for sprinkling
 
Maple-Apple Filling
6 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cubed
1/4 cup maple liqueur or real maple syrup
1/2 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise and seeds scraped
Pinch nutmeg

Crumble
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup walnuts, crushed
1/2 cup brown sugar
Pinch sea salt
1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

To make the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper, set aside.



Lay the bacon strips on a wire rack and coat evenly with raw sugar. Lightly press the sugar into the bacon, sprinkle them with smoked cayenne pepper and transfer them onto the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 12 minutes or until deep red and caramelized. Check on the bacon frequently, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Use tongs to remove the candied bacon from the baking sheet and transfer the slices onto a wire rack. Cool completely.

To make the filling: In a baking dish, combine the apples, maple liqueur, vanilla bean seeds, and nutmeg. Mix ingredients together to combine.

To make the crumble: Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. In a big bowl, add the flour, rolled oats, crushed walnuts, brown sugar, and sea salt. Mix these ingredients together and then cut in the cold butter pieces, using a pastry cutter. Evenly distribute the crumble over the apple mixture and bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Place the crumble in bowls and top each bowl with 2 slices of candied bacon. Serve with a shot of cinnamon schnapps. Or not.


bacon recipe source: Nadia G, "Makeup Meal," Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen, Cooking Channel TV

3829. CITRUS PRAWN CEVICHE with BACON DUST

Makes: 6 as canapés or 4 as starters


200 g small prawns, deveined and shelled
1 spring onion, finely chopped
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chillies, finely chopped
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
zest and juice of 1 orange
zest and juice of 1 grapefruit
1 orange segmented
3 Tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
½ C (125 ml) coriander leaves, chopped
1 avocado, diced
2 Tbsp (30 ml) cultured cream
6 slices streaky bacon, fried until crispy and finely chopped
micro herbs, for garnish

Toss the prawns, spring onion, chillies, paprika, cayenne pepper, orange juice and zest, grapefruit juice and zest, orange segments and lemon juice together. Place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. The acidity of citrus juices will ‘cook’ the prawns. They are ready once they are firm and opaque in colour. Stir in the coriander and diced avocado. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, use a slotted spoon to spoon the mixture into serving glasses. Add a spoonful or two of the citrus liquid. Add a dollop of cultured cream, some bacon bits and garnish with micro herbs.


bacon recipe source: Illanique Van Aswegen, Crush Magazine (@crush_online), (Issue 47), 5th Floor Jaga House, 61 Wale Street, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001

3817. TORCHIETTE with BACON, BEER and CHEESE SAUCE

Serves: 4 to 6


2 tbsp white onion
1 clove garlic
1/4 red pepper
pinch fresh thyme
2 slices bacon
1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup beer (can substitute with milk)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
kosher salt (to taste)
white pepper (to taste)
salt (1 tsp per L/qt of water)
400 g torchietti pasta (about 13 oz)
4 oz aged cheddar (2 cups)

Preparing Your Mise en Place: To start your mise en place, first bring a pot of cold water to a boil to cook the pasta.  Dice the onion and émincé the garlic. Finely dice the red pepper and roughly chop the thyme. Next, dice the bacon or cut it into lardons. Lastly, measure out the butter, flour, milk and beer, and gather the seasonings.

Making the Sauce | Mornay Sauce: Heat a heavy sauce pan over medium heat and add the butter and bacon. Let the bacon cook until the fat renders (melts). The bacon should almost be cooked but not browned. Then add the onion, garlic and red pepper and gently cook, turning the heat down to medium-low to avoid any browning. Cook until the onion and garlic begin to soften and release their flavors. Then season with the paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, if desired. Next, sprinkle the mixture with the flour and stir to form a roux. Let this cook gently for about 2 minutes, being careful not to let the bottom scorch or burn. Then add the beer and stir to combine. Add the milk a bit at a time to temper it. This will prevent lumps from forming. Continue until all of the milk has been incorporated. Finally, add the thyme. Turn the heat up to medium, if needed, to bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally and let cook for about 10 minutes or so. While the sauce cooks, go ahead and cook the pasta. You now have a flavored variation of a classic béchamel sauce.

Cooking the Pasta: To cook the pasta, add the salt to the boiling water and stir. Then add the pasta and stir to prevent it from sticking together. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or according to the instructions on the package. For this dish, the pasta should not be al dente, as you want a soft texture.
While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese and stir the sauce occasionally. Test the pasta and once it is just cooked through, reserve a bit of the cooking water (in case you need to thin the sauce out later).
Next, turn off the heat and add some cold water to the pot of pasta. This will slow the cooking process so you can finish the sauce.

Finishing the Cheese Sauce: To finish the sauce, turn off the heat and temper in the grated cheddar by adding it a little bit at a time. Stir each time until the cheese melts. By adding a bit of cheese at a time, you prevent the sauce from splitting. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Finishing the Dish: To finish the dish, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Then pour the sauce over top and gently fold everything together. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water. Taste for seasoning, serve immediately and enjoy.


bacon recipe source: Tony M (British Columbia), Rouxbe Cooking School

3803. ZUCCHINI BACON FRITTERS with BASIL-MAYO DIPPING SAUCE

Makes about 40 fritters

For basil mayo:

1 cup basil

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For fritters:

About 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

3 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 fresh jalapeño, stemmed and minced (including seeds)

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup whole milk

6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, finely chopped

Equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

Make basil mayo: Purée basil with mayonnaise, water, and lemon juice in a blender. Transfer to a small bowl and chill until ready to use.

Make fritters: Preheat oven to 200°F. Heat 3 inches oil to 350°F in a deep 5-quart pot over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir together zucchini, jalapeño, chives, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Add egg, milk, and bacon to zucchini mixture and toss to coat zucchini. Stir in flour mixture until incorporated. Fry small spoonfuls of batter in batches of about 10, turning occasionally, until golden-brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Return oil to 350°F between batches.

Serve fritters with basil mayo.

bacon recipe source: Andrea Albin, Gourmet, July 2010

3764. BACON WRAPPED MADUROS (SWEET PLANTAINS)

makes six servings


½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 medium very ripe plantains

9 slices thick cut bacon

canola oil for frying

In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, cilantro, and cayenne pepper and set aside. Peel the plantains and slice into pieces that are one inch thick and about 1.5 to 2 inches long. Cut bacon slices in half, lengthwise. Wrap each banana slice with the halved bacon slice and secure with a wooden toothpick. Heat the oil in a large skillet to 350 degrees. Fry the plantains (without crowding the pan) until golden brown. This will take between 3 to 5 minutes depending on the ripeness of the plantains. The riper, the quicker it will caramelize. Drain on paper towel and serve immediately along side honey mustard dipping sauce.

bacon recipe source: Ana Quincoces, Smithfield (@SmithfieldBrand), Virginia; thelatinkitchen.com (@thelatinkitchen)

3720. CANDIED BACON JERKY

serves ten
total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes


100 grams (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne
10 strips bacon

Preheat the oven to about 225°F. Use a rimmed baking sheet with a fitted rack for this recipe if you can. Line the baking sheet with foil and spray the rack generously with cooking spray.

In a shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar and cayenne. Dip/pat each slice of bacon on both sides in the sugar mixture, shaking off excess, and then place on the wire rack (note: you may or may not be able to squeeze them all on one pan).

Bake the bacon for about 2.5–3 hours, flipping the strips every hour. When the bacon is done, it will be a deep mahogany brown and will have shrunk quite a bit. Let the bacon cool a minute then move it around every so often to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan. The bacon will firm up as it cools.


bacon recipe source: Janice Lawandi, Kitchen Heals Soul (@KtchnHealsSoul), September 17, 2013

3650. CARAMELIZED ONION and PEPPERED BACON FLATBREAD

makes 24 servings 


1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 slices thick-sliced bacon
4 cups thinly sliced sweet onion (about 1 lb)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated thin pizza crust
1 can (14.5 oz) organic diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 

Heat oven to 400°F. Line 15x10-inch pan with sides with aluminum foil. Place cooling rack in pan. In large resealable food-storage plastic bag, combine brown sugar, black pepper and cayenne; shake to combine. Separate bacon slices and place in bag; shake to coat. Place bacon on rack in pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through baking, or until bacon is browned and thoroughly cooked. Cool completely. Chop bacon; set aside.

Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook onions and garlic in butter over medium heat 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onions are golden brown. Remove from heat; set aside. Spray15x10-inch pan with sides with cooking spray. Unroll pizza crust dough in pan; press dough to edges of pan. Bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven.

Spread onion mixture over partially baked crust; top with drained tomatoes. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; top with bacon. Bake 7 to 11 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheeses are melted. Remove from oven; sprinkle with basil.


bacon recipe source: Dawn Logterman, Janesville, Wisconsin, Bake-Off® Contest 45, 2012; Pillsbury.com, Pillsbury, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

3608. ONION FLATBREAD with BACON and MESCLUN

makes eight servings


4 small red onions
1 tablespoon olive oil
170 grams cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup strong dark ale
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 25 cm packaged soft flatbreads
1 1/2 cups torn mesclun mix
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled

 Peel and halve onions. Brush with oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Grill onions on the rack of a covered charcoal or gas grill directly over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until charred and slightly softened, turning once halfway through grilling. Cool.

In a bowl whisk together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper until smooth. Chop two grilled onions; stir into cream cheese mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Quarter remaining two onions; set aside.

Grill flatbreads on rack of a covered grill directly over medium-high heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until crisp, turning once halfway through. Transfer to cutting board. Spread half of cream cheese mixture onto each flatbread. Top with arugula, tomatoes, bacon and quatered onions. Slice and serve.


bacon recipe source: The Breeze (@thebreezenz), Level 3/239 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland/PO Box 8880, Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand

3588. CREAMED CORN and BACON LASAGNA

makes eight servings


1 (16 oz.) pkg. bacon

1 medium potato (about 1/2 pound)

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

2 cans (14.75 oz.) sweet corn, cream style

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 package lasagna

1 cup chopped scallion (greens only)

2 cups shredded Monterey cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella 

Preheat a large skillet with deep sides on medium high. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces. Add to hot pan. Cook, stirring until crispy, but not hard. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside. 

Fill a small saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, peel and slice potato into 1/8" slices. Place in water and parboil for 3 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium high. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes or until thicken and smooth. Stir in cream corn and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of cream corn sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 3 sheets of lasagna, leaving space in between each for expansion during baking. Spread 1 rounded cup of cream corn sauce over pasta. Layer with a third of the potato slices. Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Monterey. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the bacon pieces. Add 1/4 of the chopped scallion. 

For the next two layers: repeat layering 3 sheets of lasagna, 1 rounded cup of cream corn sauce, 1/3 of the potato slices, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Monterey, 1/4 of the bacon, and 1/4 of the chopped scallion.

For the top layer: add three sheets of lasagna (there is will 3 unused sheets), 1 rounded cup of creamed corn sauce, and the remaining cheeses.

Spray a heavy duty foil with cooking spray. Cover lasagna tightly with foil. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a pointed knife pierces through the layers of lasagna easily. Broil, uncovered for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese becomes lightly golden. Remove from oven. Garnish with the remaining bacon and scallion. Allow to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

bacon recipe source: Thao, In Good Flavor, November 10, 2014

3582. CHEESY MAPLE BACON CAJUN PULLED PORK SANDWICH

makes 8 sandwiches


3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
1 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 cup chicken stock, apple juice, or water
8 soft potato burger buns, split horizontally
8 thick slices extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
About 24 bread and butter pickles


Sriracha yogurt:
1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce



Crispy potatoes:
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, 1 to 2 inches in diameter
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt

2 small scallions, sliced

Maple bacon:
8 slices thick-cut bacon

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

To make the Cajun Pulled Pork: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and celery seed. Rub the mixture over all sides of the meat, pressing it to adhere. Transfer the meat to a slow cooker and add any of the spice mix that didn’t adhere. Add the broth, cover, and cook until the pork is very tender, 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

Meanwhile, make the Sriracha Yogurt: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt and Sriracha. Set aside in the refrigerator.

About 1 3/4 hours before the pork is done, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Meanwhile, start the Crispy Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, well-salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

While the potatoes are cooking, make the Maple Bacon: Arrange a wire rack over a large rimmed baking sheet and arrange the bacon on the rack. Bake until the bacon is beginning to brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the bacon from the oven and brush it on both sides with the maple syrup. Continue baking until the bacon is nicely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle, then transfer the bacon to a plate. Pour the bacon fat on the baking sheet into a measuring cup, about 3 tablespoons. Set the bacon, bacon fat, and baking sheet aside.

Increase the oven to 500 degrees F.

Arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet that had the bacon fat and use a spatula to smash each to about 1/2-inch thick. Add enough olive oil to the bacon fat to equal 1/3 cup, and then drizzle the mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle generously with salt. Bake until well browned and crisp, about 35 to 40 minutes. Top with the scallions.

While the potatoes are baking, transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Moisten/season with cooking juices to taste.

Break the bacon pieces in half and arrange on the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with the pork, cheese, and pickles and Sriracha yogurt if you’d like. Serve with the potatoes and Sriracha yogurt alongside.


bacon recipe source: The National Pork Board, 1776 NW 114th Street, Des Moines, IA 50325

3572. OKRA PILAU (PILAF) with BACON

serves 4-6 as a side dish


4 slices of bacon (about 5 ounces), chopped
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cups okra, sliced into disks, 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt (use less salt if using seasoned broth)
1 cup long-grain rice
1 3/4 cup chicken stock

Spread the chopped bacon out in a pot so it covers the bottom completely and turn the heat to medium. Fry it until it's crispy, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve. Drain off all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.

Add the onion and green pepper and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the okra and turn the heat to high. Add the cayenne, salt and rice and stir-fry for 1 minute.

Stir in the chicken broth, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and cook until the rice is done, about 20 minutes. Fluff up the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped bacon.


bacon recipe source: Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes (@simplyrecipes), October 3, 2012

3552. BACON CORN FRITTERS with TOMATO CHUTNEY and BUTTERMILK GREENS

serves six 


5 slices bacon 
1 cup cornmeal 
1 cup corn flour 
3 tablespoons granulated sugar 
1 tablespoon baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
1 cup buttermilk 
2 eggs 
1 cup fresh corn kernels or frozen corn kernels
1 cup shredded zucchini
 2 green onions, finely chopped 
vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Tomato chutney: 
2 teaspoons olive oil 
1 small onion, diced 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 teaspoon mustard seeds 
2 vine ripened tomatoes or plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 
2 tablespoons cider vinegar 
1 tablespoon liquid honey 
1 pinch salt 
1 pinch pepper

Buttermilk greens: 
1/2 cup buttermilk 
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise 
1 tablespoon cider vinegar 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
6 cups baby spinach 

Tomato chutney: In small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes.

Add garlic and mustard seeds; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and almost no liquid remains, about 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, in skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove 2 tablespoons fat and set aside. Transfer bacon to paper towel; blot dry and chop.

In large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper and cayenne. Whisk in buttermilk and eggs. Stir in corn, zucchini, green onions, bacon and reserved bacon fat.

In deep-fryer, wok or deep saucepan, heat enough oil to come about 3 inches (8 cm) up side until deep-fryer thermometer reads 365ºF (185ºC). Using about 2 tablespoons batter per fritter, drop by scoops into hot oil; deep-fry, in batches and turning once, until golden, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined plate.

Buttermilk greens: In large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar and pepper until smooth; add spinach and toss to coat. Serve with fritters and chutney.


bacon recipe source: Amanda Barnier, The Test Kitchen for Canadian Living Magazine, August 2013 

3539. BACON-WRAPPED SHRIMP with CHIPOTLE BARBECUE SAUCE

yields six servings

 

 

20 strips bacon (about 12 ounces)
20 medium-large shrimp, shelled and deveined (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Freshly ground pepper

Soak 5 to 8 bamboo skewers in water for about 20 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill or under the broiler.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet until halfway done, about 4 minutes. Drain and cool on paper towels. Wrap a piece of bacon around the middle of each shrimp; skewer with bamboo through the point where the bacon ends meet to keep it from unraveling. Thread 3 to 5 shrimp on each bamboo skewer.

Puree the barbecue sauce, oil, lemon juice, mustard, chipotles, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper in a blender. Set aside half of the sauce for dipping.

Preheat a grill, grill pan or broiler. Grill or broil shrimp (on a foil-lined baking sheet, if broiling) for 5 minutes, basting with the sauce once they begin to turn pink. Flip, baste again and grill or broil until just cooked through, about 4 more minutes. Serve with extra sauce.

bacon recipe source: Guy Fieri, Food Network Magazine, Food Network

3612. FRENCH TOAST stuffed with BACON, ONION TOMATO JAM with GRUYERE, and a FRIED EGG

serves four


For the filling:
8 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch lardons
Extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1 large beefsteak tomato, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 sprigs of fresh oregano, leaves finely chopped

For the French toast:
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Kosher salt
8 slices tight-crumbed white bread
11/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese

For the fried eggs:
Extra virgin olive oil
4 large eggs
1 bunch of fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

For the filling: Toss the bacon into a large saute pan with a few drops of olive oil. Bring the pan to medium heat and cook the bacon until brown and crispy, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and season with salt and the crushed red pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and very aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the tomato, season with more salt, and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy and most of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and reseason if needed. Stir in the oregano and let cool.

For the French toast: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

In a wide, flat dish, combine the eggs, milk, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and homogeneous.

Lay 4 slices of bread on a work surface. Using half the Gruyere, sprinkle each piece of bread lightly with cheese. Spoon a quarter of the bacon filling onto each piece of bread and then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Top each slice with another piece of bread and press to secure.

Working in batches, soak each "toast" in the egg mixture for about 1 minute; flip and soak the other side.

While the toasts are soaking, coat a large saute pan with olive oil and bring the pan to medium heat.

Working in batches so you don't crowd the pan, cook the toasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The toasts should be golden brown, lovely, and crisp-YUM! Transfer the toasts to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm.

For the fried eggs and assembly: Coat a large nonstick saute pan lightly with olive oil and bring to medium heat. Add the eggs to the pan, working in batches if necessary. Cook them until the whites are cooked through and the yolks are warm and runny, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove the toasts from the oven and top each with a perfectly fried egg. Sprinkle with chives if you like and serve immediately.


bacon recipe source: Own Your Kitchen by Anne Burrell. Clarkson Potter (Random House, Inc.), 2013