3993. BACON CHEESEBURGER POUTINE

4 pounds of French fries (about 8 cups)

6 strips thick-cut bacon
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups white Cheddar cheese curd
Salt
Pepper

Start cooking French fries, however you have decided to make them, from scratch or store bought.

Place bacon in a frying pan and fry over medium heat until crispy, turning regularly. When bacon is done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and place paper towel over top to blot grease. Then cut into large chunks.

Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add all-purpose flour and whisk thoroughly until all lumps are removed. Cook for five minutes while the roux is bubbling. This will give the gravy a darker colour and will also cook out the raw flour. Slowly add the beef stock to the roux, whisking as you do to avoid lumps from forming. Once the stock has been added, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, uncovered. You need to keep the gravy piping hot so it will melt the cheese.

Place olive oil in a large frying pan set over medium-high heat. When hot, add the beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to thoroughly combine all ingredients and continue to cook until beef is completely browned. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

To plate, set a large handful of French fries on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon about 1 cup of beef over top of beef and some of the bacon over top. Top with cheese curds and then generously spoon gravy over top.

bacon recipe source: Kate's Cuisine, September 5, 2015

3989. SEARED SCALLOPS with CREAMY BACON GRITS

Makes 4 servings


1-1/2 lbs dry sea scallops

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the grits:

1/4 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped

4-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1-1/2 cups white (or yellow) corn grits

1-1/2 cups corn kernels (about 3 ears fresh corn)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, drain all but 2 teaspoons of fat from the pan and reserve the remainder for later use.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion. Sauté until soft and just starting to turn golden. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in the grits and immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring continually, until the liquid is absorbed and the grits are tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the butter, reserved bacon, sautéed onion and corn. Combine well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

Note: Grits will stiffen up a bit as they sit, so you may want to stir in a little warm milk or water just before serving to restore the creamy texture.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer on a large plate. Combine the salt, sweet paprika, black pepper and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture lightly over the scallops, turn and repeat on the second side.

Wipe out the pan you cooked the bacon in and heat the butter along with about 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the scallops in a single layer and sear until they develop a pale golden crust on the outside, a maximum of 1-1/2 minutes per side.

Scallops need about 3/4-inch of space between them in order to sear properly, so if the pan seems overcrowded, cook them in 2 batches.

Transfer the cooked scallops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Reserve the pan juices for serving.

To serve, plate individual portions of grits, top with scallops and spoon some of the pan juices over all. Garnish with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and serve immediately.

bacon recipe source: Lynne Webb, MyGourmetConnection (@gourmetconnect) 

3973. BACON and CURRANT PORK BURGERS with SPICY ORANGE DRESSING

1 lb ground pork

¼ cup dried currants

8 strips bacon, diced

1 orange, peeled and diced

1 8oz can green chiles

½ 7oz can coconut milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon ground mustard

¼ teaspoon paprika

salt and pepper to taste

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon fat of choice

First, heat up your grill. If you are not using a grill, forget this step.

Now dice up your bacon. Maybe to 1 inch long strips/rectangles and throw them in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

While the bacon cooks, add your ground pork, currants, and spices to a bowl and mix together. Once the bacon is done cooking, add the cooled bacon to the mixture and mix all together.

Form into patties, however big you would like, and throw those little suckers on your hot grill. If you are not using a grill and just want to use your frying pan, pour the excess bacon fat into a jar/can to use later and add your pork burgers directly to that hot pan. They will need to cook for about 5-6 minutes/side depending how thick you made them and where you decide to cook them.

While the burgers cook on grill or pan, pull out a smaller saute pan, and add your fat of choice along with your minced garlic clove and heat up under medium-high heat.

Once the garlic smell fills the air, add your coconut milk, oranges, and green chiles to the mixture.

Add a bit of salt and pepper to the mix and stir. Turn the heat down low and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes.

Once the burgers are cooked through, top them off with the spicy orange dressing.

bacon recipe source: Juli Bauer, paleomg.com (@paleOMG), June 20, 2011

3930. MAHI-MAHI BLT

Serves 4


cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
4 mahi-mahi fillets (or other meaty fish, such as swordfish), skin on, each about 8 ounces, 1 inch thick
vegetable oil for brushing cooking grate
8 slices bread, each 1/2 -inch thick
4 romaine lettuce leaves
8 slices tomato

Prepare a charcoal fire, medium hot.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, onion, lime juice, paprika and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Cook bacon until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and drain.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder and garlic. Brush this mixture on the flesh side on the fillets. Lightly brush the cooking grate with vegetable oil. Place the fillets, flesh side down, directly over medium heat and grill, turning once, until flesh is opaque, 10 to 13 minutes. Remove skin before serving.

When the fish is almost cooked, grill the bread directly over medium heat, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes a side. Evenly spread one side of the bread with the refrigerated mayonnaise mixture.

To build each sandwich, start with a slice of toasted bread, a lettuce leaf, two tomato slices, 2 half slices of bacon, the fillet, then the other slice of toasted bread.


bacon recipe source: Rob Kasper, "Gone fishing for a good grilled sandwich," The Baltimore Sun, September 12, 1999; Weber's Art of the Grill: Recipes for Outdoor Living, by Jamie Purviance (Chronicle Books, 1999)

3916. BACON and EGG BREAKFAST ENCHILADAS

Servings: 8


2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes  
1 pound thick-cut bacon
12 large eggs, slightly beaten
8 eight-inch corn or flour tortillas
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups) 
Minced green onions
sour cream

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Cook the onion over moderate heat until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, paprika, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes and remove from heat. Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return it to heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until brown and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a cutting board and chop into 1-inch pieces. Reserve the fat.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil, if desired) over moderate heat. Pour the eggs into the frying pan and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula until small curds form, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and season with salt and pepper.

Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and warm them in a microwave oven until soft and pliable, about 1 minute.

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the tortillas on a work surface. Spoon a heaping 1/4 cup of the egg mixture, 2 tablespoons of the cheese and 2 tablespoons of the chopped bacon onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and arrange them in the baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the top of the enchiladas with the remaining cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with sour cream and minced green onions. 


bacon recipe source: Molly Yeh, Food & Wine, November 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

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

3806. CORN, BACON and SERRANO RAMEKINS

Servings: 12 ramekins


2 cups half and half

8 large eggs

24 ounces (4 1/2 cups) extra sweet frozen corn, defrosted (divided use)

Salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish

6 strips thick sliced bacon

1 cup finely chopped white onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 to 4 fresh serrano chiles, finely diced (seeded if you wish)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place 12 6 ounce ramekins in a large roasting pan. Heat water for a water bath.

In a food processor or blender, add the half & half, eggs, 3 cups corn, 1 teaspoon salt, and paprika. Process until corn is finely chopped. Set aside.

Cook the bacon in a very large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble and divide between the ramekins.

Pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Scoop in the onion and saute until golden brown. Add the garlic, serranos, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, saute for 1 minute until the garlic becomes aromatic. Scrape in the remaining 1 1/2 cups corn and continue cooking until mixture is hot. Evenly distribute the corn mixture between the ramekins. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the vegetables and stir to combine.

Set the roasting pan in the center of the oven and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until the custard is just set in the middle. Sprinkle the tops with smoked paprika. Serve immediately or refrigerate and reheat later as described in the testing notes.

bacon recipe source: Rick Bayless/Frontera Restaurant (@Rick_Bayless)

3795. EGGS BENEDICT with JALAPENO BACON and SMOKED PAPRIKA HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

makes eight servings


For the Yuca Croquette

2 pounds yuca (cassava)

1 teaspoon salt

1 small onion, finely chopped

½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 sprigs cilantro, leaves only, chopped

1 cup fine bread crumbs or flour

For the Hollandaise Sauce

4 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 pinch salt

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon tabasco sauce

salt, to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Eggs Benedict

8 slices Applewood smoked bacon, halved crosswise

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

8 large eggs

Make the croquettes: Peel the yuca, cut them in half and boil with salt, until tender. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onions, green pepper, and garlic. One the vegetables are cooked through and soft, add cilantro, and stir.

Rice the yuca or pulse it in the food processor and mix it with the bread crumbs. Make a 3” ball, then flatten it like a disc about a 1/2 inch thick. Deep fry until golden.

Make the hollandaise: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, whisk the 4 egg yolks with the wine and a pinch of salt until doubled in volume and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the melted butter, whisking constantly, until a thick, creamy sauce forms, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice and Tabasco and season the hollandaise with salt and smoked paprika. Keep the hollandaise sauce warm, whisking occasionally.

Make the eggs benedict: In a skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Bring a large, deep skillet of water to a simmer over moderate heat and add the vinegar. One at a time, break the eggs into a small bowl and pour them into the simmering water, leaving plenty of space between them. Poach the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Arrange the fried yucca croquettes on plates and top with the bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.

bacon recipe source: Chef Kelvin Fernandez, The Latin Kitchen (@thelatinkitchen), 120 Broadway, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10271

3751. BACON-SHALLOT GRAVY

makes 3 1/2 cups

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 pound thick-cut bacon, finely chopped

1 cup minced shallots (2 large)

1 large thyme sprig

Kosher salt

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup dry white wine

4 cups turkey or chicken stock

1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pepper

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the bacon, shallots, thyme and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are browned and the bacon is nearly crisp, about 10 minutes.

Sift the flour into the skillet and stir it in until completely absorbed. Stir in the wine and cook until thick, 1 minute. Gradually stir in the stock, then stir in the paprika and bring to a boil. Simmer the gravy over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until no floury taste remains and the gravy is reduced to 3 1/2 cups, 10 minutes. Discard the thyme sprig. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Season the gravy generously with salt and pepper and serve hot.

bacon recipe source: Dana Cowin, Food & Wine, November 2014

3735. BEER, BACON and MAPLE SYRUP POUTINE

4 baker potatoes

olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic salt

4 strips of bacon chopped up
4 slices of peameal bacon chopped
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove minced
2 cups of stout beer
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
salt

cheese curds
green onions

Start by slicing each potato lengthwise into four potato slabs. Then cut each slab into thin fries about a centimeter thick. Keep the fries fresh by storing them in a bowl of cold water. Before use, drain the fries and pat them dry. This is to ensure that the spices and oil stick.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place all the fries in a bowl and sprinkle over the paprika, garlic salt and a couple glugs of olive oil. Roll the fries around and coat evenly. Spread out on two baking sheets making sure that each fry is in contact with the sheet, this will ensure they get crispy. Cook the fries for 50 minutes. Every 20 minutes rotate the trays and give the fries a flip. Hint: you’re going to need a thin spatula to get the fries up and off the baking sheet in order to flip them.

While the fries are cooking start on the gravy by frying up both types of bacon in an ungreased pan on medium high heat. Once crispy, pull out the bacon and let drain on a plate covered with a paper towel. Save the grease. For the gravy, add the butter to the bacon grease and let melt. Then spoon in the flour and stir until a paste forms. Throw in the garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant. Finally whisk in the beer, mustard, Worcestershire, maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Let thicken over a low heat.

To build the poutine, place all the fries on one baking sheet and layer in the cheese curds and bacon pieces. Then pour over the gravy and place back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is good and melted. Top with green onions and enjoy!

bacon recipe source: Julie Nolke, Feeling Peckish? March 6, 2015

3723. BACON-MOLASSES BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

makes 1 1/2 cups; serves 4 to 6


8 ounces ground pork
4 ounces bacon, finely chopped
1 teaspoon molasses
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Stir together the pork, bacon, molasses, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, sage, and black pepper until well combined.

Heat up a skillet over medium heat and cook a small spoonful of the sausage for a couple of minutes on each side. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

Once you're satisfied with the flavor balance, refrigerate the mixture for an hour for the flavors to come together. To cook the sausage, form it into 2-inch-wide, 1/4-inch-thick patties and fry over medium-high heat until both sides are brown and crisp, 5 minutes per side.

The sausage will keep in the refrigerator for a week uncooked, and it can also be frozen uncooked for 3 months.


bacon recipe source: Lisa Fain, The Homesick Texan's Family Table (Ten Speed Press, 2014); epicurious.com

3714. CHILI BACON JAM

makes two cups


600 grams (1 1/2 lb) good quality smoked rasher bacon
4 eschallots (brown shallots), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup (6 fl oz) whisky (substitute with brandy, or just water if preferred)
2/3 cup (7 fl oz) strong brewed coffee
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Cut your bacon rashers into one inch pieces, then fry them in a large pot with a splash of oil until the meat is crisped and the fat has rendered out. Remove with a slotted spoon, then drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pot. Add in your shallots and garlic over medium heat, and cook until the shallots are translucent. Add in the spices, brown sugar, chosen alcohol (if using) and a pinch of salt, cook for 3-4 minutes before adding in your other liquid ingredients: vinegar, coffee and maple syrup. Bring to the boil, then allow the liquid to reduce slightly for about five minutes.

Add in your reserved bacon, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes before stirring and allowing the mixture to evaporate. Cook for a further 30 minutes, or until the mixture is darkened, syrupy and fragrant.

Once at the desired consistency, allow the mixture to cool. Skim any oil off the surface with a spoon, and discard it alongside the bay leaves.

Transfer your cooled mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Process until it reaches the consistency of a chunky jam; you should still be able to see crunchy, crisp little bits of bacon amongst the syrupy, boozy spiced shallots. Taste, and add extra salt or pepper as required.


bacon recipe source: Laura's Mess, August 12, 2012

3711. CARROT SOUP with SMOKED PAPRIKA and BACON CRUMBLES

6 slices bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced to 1/2-inch rounds
2 shallots, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 to 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth, homemade preferred
2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

In a large pot or dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside until needed.

To the pot, add the carrots, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bacon drippings. Stir and saute on medium heat until the shallots are soft and translucent. Add 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return heat to medium and simmer until the carrots can be easily pierced with a fork, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Working in two batches, pour the carrots and broth into a blender. Puree until completely smooth, adding additional broth if needed. Return the puree back to the pot.

To the puree, add remaining broth until a silky smooth soup consistency is reached. Add cream and paprika and stir. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors blend. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.

Pour into serving bowls, and garnish with bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve.

bacon recipe source: Meredith Steele, in sock monkey slippers (@SMonkeySlippers), September 11, 2013

3708. CHICKEN and MUSHROOM FAJITAS with BACON

makes six servings


For the chicken and marinade:
1½ to 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced in half lengthwise
⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
4 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Other fajita ingredients:
2 large bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips
1 medium/large yellow onion, thickly sliced
½ lb mushrooms, thickly sliced
4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
4 strips bacon, cooked & crumbled (or buy pre-cooked crumbled bacon)

Serve with: small flour tortillas; pico or salsa, guacamole or diced avocado, sour cream, lettuce, hot sauce

How to make the chicken: Combine marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Slice chicken in half lengthwise so you end up with about ½" thick chicken cutlets. Add chicken to marinade and stir until evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 45 min to 1 hour, stirring midway.

To grill chicken: Preheat Grill then reduce heat to med/low (350˚F) and grill chicken 6-8 min per side, rotating midway to create grill marks.

To saute chicken: Heat a large non-stick (cast iron is best - it should be oven safe) skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken with 1-2 tablespoons oil in a single layer, until browned on each side and cooked through (3 min per side).

Preparing veggies: Heat the same non-stick, oven safe pan over medium heat. Saute mushrooms with 1-2 tablespoons oil until mushrooms are browned. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same hot pan, sauté onions and bell peppers in 1-2 Tbsp more oil. Stir the veggies every 2 minutes to sear and brown the edges and cook a total of 8 minutes. Season to taste.

Assembling the fajitas: Slice chicken into ¼" thick strips and place over the cooked vegetables. Top with sauteed mushrooms, then cheese and finally crumbled bacon. Place under the broiler in the upper third of the oven for 2-3 minutes or just until cheese is nicely melted. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave on high 45 seconds to 1 min or until tortillas are very warm. Keep them covered until ready to use. To assemble individual fajitas, start with a warm tortilla, add sour cream and guacamole (if using), then top with lettuce and finally the meat/veggie/mushroom/cheese mixture followed by salsa or hot sauce.


bacon recipe source: Natasha's Kitchen, April 6, 2015

3689. SHEPHERD'S PIE with BACON, BEEF and HORSERADISH BLUE CHEESE POTATOES

serves 4-6


2 pounds beef from shank or chuck or lamb from shank or shoulder (from the butcher), hand trimmed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
6 slices smoky thick-cut bacon, diced
Salt and coarse black pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 small ribs celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large bay leaf
Bundle of sage and parsley, a few sprigs each
2 rounded tablespoons flour
About 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups beef or veal stock

For the topping:
2 to 2 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes, 5 large, peeled and cubed
1 cup warm milk
Cup sour cream
2 rounded tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 cup smoked blue cheese or blue cheese crumbles
1 cup grated Parm or sharp cheddar
A few grates of fresh nutmeg
1 cup finely chopped chives
2 large egg yolks
Sprinkle of paprika

Pat the meat dry after chopping and before cooking.

Heat a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and bacon and cook to crisp. Remove to a plate and drain all but 3-4 tablespoons drippings from the pot.  Add beef or lamb, season with salt and pepper, and cook in 2 batches to brown and crust.  Remove meat to the plate with bacon.

To meat drippings add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay herb bundle, salt and pepper.  Cook partially covered 10-12 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally.  Add flour and stir one minute to cook out raw flour taste, add Worcestershire and wine, and stir. Add stock and beef or lamb and bacon back to pan reduce heat to simmer and cook covered until tender, stirring occasionally, up to 40 minutes.

Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Salt water and cook to tender, drain and pass through ricer.  Stir in warm milk to thin to your liking add sour cream, horseradish, cheeses, pepper, nutmeg and chives. Adjust seasoning, stir in egg yolks and pipe or spread over meat filling in casserole or single-serve dishes.

Heat broiler and place a rack in the center of the oven. Brown potatoes and sprinkle with paprika to serve. 


bacon recipe source: Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray Show, November 18, 2013

hepherd’s Pie with Bacon, Beef and Horseradish Blue Cheese Potatoes

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Serves 4-6

Aired November 18, 2013

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds beef from shank or chuck or lamb from shank or shoulder (from the butcher), hand trimmed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil 
• 6 slices smoky thick-cut bacon, diced 
• Salt and coarse black pepper 
• 1 onion, chopped 
• 2 carrots, chopped 
• 2 small ribs celery, chopped 
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large bay leaf
• Bundle of sage and parsley, a few sprigs each
• 2 rounded tablespoons flour 
• About 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Cup dry red wine 
• 2 1/2 cups beef or veal stock 
• For the topping:
• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes, 5 large, peeled and cubed 
• 1 cup warm milk 
• Cup sour cream 
• 2 rounded tablespoons prepared horseradish 
• 1 cup smoked blue cheese or blue cheese crumbles
• 1 cup grated Parm or sharp cheddar 
• A few grates of fresh nutmeg
• 1 cup finely chopped chives 
• 2 large egg yolks
• Sprinkle of paprika 
•  

PREPARATION

Pat the meat dry after chopping and before cooking.

Heat a Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and bacon and cook to crisp. Remove to a plate and drain all but 3-4 tablespoons drippings from the pot.  Add beef or lamb, season with salt and pepper, and cook in 2 batches to brown and crust.  Remove meat to the plate with bacon.

To meat drippings add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay herb bundle, salt and pepper.  Cook partially covered 10-12 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally.  Add flour and stir one minute to cook out raw flour taste, add Worcestershire and wine, and stir. Add stock and beef or lamb and bacon back to pan reduce heat to simmer and cook covered until tender, stirring occasionally, up to 40 minutes.

Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Salt water and cook to tender, drain and pass through ricer.  Stir in warm milk to thin to your liking add sour cream, horseradish, cheeses, pepper, nutmeg and chives. Adjust seasoning, stir in egg yolks and pipe or spread over meat filling in casserole or single-serve dishes.

Heat broiler and place a rack in the center of the oven. Brown potatoes and sprinkle with paprika to serve.   

- See more at: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/16674_Shepherd_s_Pie_With_Bacon_Beef_and_Horseradish_Blue_Cheese_Potatoes/#sthash.7f6Xrp1p.dpuf

3594. BOILED PEANUT HUMMUS with COUNTRY BACON and FETA CHEESE

yields four servings


Hummus:
2 cups shelled boiled peanuts

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 small clove fresh garlic
4 tablespoons good-quality olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, as needed
1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped fine, for garnish
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, for garnish

Toast:
1 loaf kalamata olive bread or baguette, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for drizzling
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan

For the hummus: Set the peanuts on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and allow to air dry for 30 minutes.

Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and roll the peanuts around while applying light pressure with the palm of your hand. This will remove some of the skins off of the peanuts.

Place the peanuts, lemon juice, tahini, parsley, coriander, cumin, paprika and garlic in a food processor. Process for 1 minute and then, with the motor still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. The hummus should have a smooth, loosely spreadable consistency. Adjust with a tablespoon of hot water if needed. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to your serving bowl of choice. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, the crumbled bacon and feta cheese.

For the toast: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay your thinly sliced bread pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake until golden brown and fully crisped, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve alongside your delicious hummus.

 

 

bacon recipe source: Levon Wallace, Chef of Proof on Main, 21c Museum Hotel (@21cLouisville), Louisville, KY

3593. BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN TENDERS

1 lbs. chicken tenders (about 10 chicken tenders)
10 strips bacon, sliced in half length-wise
½ -1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons chili powder

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder,italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Sprinkle mixture evenly over chicken tenders, (top and bottom) completely coating them generously in the spices. Wrap two sliced bacon strips around the chicken tender. Tuck in and loose ends. Mix together brown sugar and chili powder. Sprinkle this mixture generously over bacon wrapped chicken, top and bottom. Press the sugar mixture into the chicken to pack it on. Place the chicken on a greased grill pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is done and bacon is crisp. You can broil for the last few minutes if desired to crisp up the bacon more. Serve hot. Garnish with parsley if desired. 


bacon recipe courtesy of: Monique, Divas Can Cook (@divascancook), January 1, 2014

3592. CHICKEN and BACON PASTA with SPINACH and TOMATOES in GARLIC CREAM SAUCE

yields four servings


2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken (chicken breast or tenders)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil - combined)
5 medium tomatoes, chopped in large cubes
1 cup cooked spinach
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
6 bacon strips, cooked, drained of fat, and chopped
1 and 1/3 cups half and half
1 and 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
10 oz penne pasta

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

In a large skillet, on high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until hot. Add chicken and cook on one side on high heat for 1 minute. While it cooks, sprinkle the uncooked sides of the chicken with paprika and Italian seasoning. Flip the chicken over, and cook on the other side for 1 minute on high heat. Reduce heat to medium, flip chicken over again and cook, covered, for several minutes until no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken from the pan and keep chicken warm.

To the same pan (but without chicken), add chopped tomatoes, spinach, garlic, crushed red pepper, 1/3 of the chicken (sliced into small strips) and half the bacon (already cooked and drained of fat). Mix everything.

Add half and half and bring to boil. Only after half and half starts boiling, add grated Parmesan cheese - immediately reduce to simmer and stir, while simmering, until the cheese melts and makes the sauce creamy, only about 1 minute (at most 2 minutes). Then, immediately remove from heat. Season with more crushed red pepper and salt, if needed.

In the mean time bring a large pot of water to boil, add pasta and cook it according to instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and drain again.

Add pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Add remaining half of bacon (cooked and drained of fat). Season with more salt if necessary. Slice the remaining 2/3 of chicken into thin strips. To serve, top the pasta with chicken strips and grated Parmesan cheese.

bacon recipe source: Julia's Album (@JuliasAlbum), February 26, 2015