3952. BACON, PEAR, and RASPBERRY GRILLED CHEESE

serves: 2


4 slices sturdy, grainy wheat bread

3 tablespoons raspberry preserves

¼ cup thinly sliced red pear

8 slices cooked bacon

4 slices Muenster cheese

1-2 tablespoons butter

Preheat griddle or panini press to medium-high heat.

Assemble 2 sandwiches in this order: bread, 1½ tbs. preserves, pear, 4 slices bacon, 2 slices cheese, bread.

Spread butter on top and bottom of sandwich and grill for 4-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.

bacon recipe source: Lindsay Ostrom, Pinch of Yum (@pinchofyum), December 7, 2011

3798. BLUE CHEESE BURGER with BACON WALNUT CHUTNEY

Servings: 1

For Burger:
6-8 ounces ground beef (or beef blend)
Salt and pepper
1/3 cup (2 ounces) blue cheese, crumbled and divided
1 bun, toasted
1-2 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) Walnut Bacon Bourbon Chutney (recipe below)
2 large leaves butter lettuce

For Walnut Bacon Bourbon Chutney:
1 pound thick cut bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup combination of chopped fruits/vegetables: pears, fennel and/or rehydrated apricots, sun dried tomatoes, figs, dried cranberries, cherries or yellow raisins
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

For burger: Season beef with salt and pepper to taste and form burger. Use preferred method to stuff burger with 1 ounce blue cheese; grill burger to desired doneness. Top bottom of bun with some bacon walnut chutney and lettuce; place grilled burger over lettuce and garnish with remaining blue cheese and additional chutney.

For chutney: In large pan, fry bacon until crisp; remove bacon and drain all but enough bacon fat to coat bottom of pan. Add onion and sauté until translucent; add fruit and/or vegetables, garlic and thyme; sauté another minute. Add sugar, vinegar, bourbon and water; simmer covered until liquid is reduced by 3/4. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add cooked bacon and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper. Top blue cheese burger with chutney. Reserve remaining chutney for additional burgers.

bacon recipe source: Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (@WisconsinCheese), 8418 Excelsior Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53717

3617. PEAR, BACON and MESCLUN SALAD

serves four 


4 slices streaky bacon 
2 crisp ripe pears 
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard 
salt and freshly ground black pepper 
4 large handfuls mesclun salad leaves

Grill of pan fry the bacon until crisp, cool a little and then chop into small pieces. Slice the pears thinly, discarding the core, mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, sea salt and pepper in a bowl and then toss the pear slices in the dressing. Arrange the salad leaves on plates and then top with pears and bacon. Drizzle over extra dressing.


bacon recipe source: Helen Jackson, Food Lovers, PO Box 128-215, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand

3563. WALNUT, PEAR and CRISPY BACON SALAD

serves four


4 lean bacon slices
scant 3/4 cup walnut halves
2 Red Bartlett pears, cored and sliced lengthwise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 oz/175 grams watercress, tough stalks removed

Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
salt and pepper

Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the bacon on a foil-lined broiler pan and cook under the preheated broiler until well browned and crisp. Let cool, then cut into 1/2-inch/1-cm pieces.

Meanwhile, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the walnuts, shaking the skillet frequently, for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool.

Toss the pears in the lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Put the watercress, walnuts, pears, and bacon into a salad bowl.

To make the dressing, whisk the oil, lemon juice, and honey together in a small bowl or pitcher. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then pour over the salad. Toss well to combine and serve.


bacon recipe source: Wheat, Dairy & Gluten Free: Over 70 Delicious Ideas (LOVE FOOD/Paragon, Queen Street House, 4 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE, UK, 2010)

3300. BACON, PEAR, and RASPBERRY GRILLED CHEESE

serves two


4 slices sturdy, grainy wheat bread
3 tablespoons raspberry preserves
¼ cup thinly sliced red pear
8 slices cooked bacon
4 slices Muenster cheese
1-2 tablespoons butter

Preheat griddle or panini press to medium-high heat. Assemble 2 sandwiches in this order: bread, 1½ tbs. preserves, pear, 4 slices bacon, 2 slices cheese, bread. Spread butter on top and bottom of sandwich and grill for 4-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.


bacon recipe source: Lindsay Ostrom, Pinch of Yum, December 7, 2011

3163. PRESSED STILTON, PEAR, DATE and BACON SANDWICHES

makes four sandwiches

 

 

8 slices thick cut bacon, coarsely chopped

4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

12 Medjool dates

1 Asian pear, scrubbed, cored, and sliced into 20 wedges

8 ounces Stilton or other blue cheese 

4 (6-inch) pieces baguette, split in half lengthwise 

 

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, about 8 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Pour rendered fat into bowl; reserve.

 

Spread cut side of each bottom half of bread with 1 teaspoon mustard. With fingers, remove and discard pits from dates. Press 3 dates onto bread (over mustard), spreading lightly with fingertips. Divide bacon evenly among bread pieces, sprinkling over dates. Arrange 5 pear slices over bacon, then top with 2 ounces Stilton.

 

Press remaining 4 baguette pieces onto cheese, then, brush both sides of each sandwich with reserved bacon fat. Cook sandwiches over medium heat in now empty skillet, pressing down with spatula, until cheese begins to melt and bread is golden, about 4 minutes per side. Serve. Alternatively, press sandwiches in a panini press until toasted and heated through. Serve.

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: María del Mar Sacasa of High Heels & Frijoles, for Serious Eats, October 15, 2012

3107. EDAM BACON FONDUE

1/2 lb. Edam cheese in 1/2-inch cubes (younger cheese best)
1/2 lb. Monterey Jack cheese in 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 slices thick cut bacon, 1/4-inch dice
1/2 medium sweet onion, diced small
1 small jar pimento pieces, well drained
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1-3 teaspoons Tabasco or your favorite

crisp, tart apple pieces
crisp pear pieces
toasted dense bread cubes
roasted pork tenderloin cubes
firmly cooked potato pieces
cold boiled shrimp

Cube the cheeses, combine in a bowl with the cornstarch. Dice the bacon, onion and garlic; drain the pimentos.

Sauté the bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until beginning to brown; add the onion and cook until softened but don’t brown. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (no more than a minute). Spoon off the visible rendered bacon drippings.

Add the white wine, sherry vinegar and hot sauce; mix well and bring to a simmer. Add the cheese mixture in four or five additions, mixing well until all the cheese has fully melted and everything is well combined.

Pour into your fondue pot, turn it to low or light the heat source and get after it.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Jack P. in Virginia; Mark McGlothlin, Chi Wulff, October 11, 2013

3017. PEAR and BACON GALETTE

For the crust:
1 1/8 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:
5 slices bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2 pears, peeled
1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar

Place flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor and pulse once or twice to get everything combined. Add the cold butter, and process until the mixture becomes the consistency of cornmeal.

Transfer mixture to a bowl, and sprinkle the ice water over it. Using a rubber spatula or your hands, mix in water and create a ball shape out of the dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and flatten to a small disk, then place in the freezer for 10 minutes while you make the filling.

Preheat the oven to 350. Cook bacon over medium heat in a skillet until almost crispy; transfer bacon to a plate layered with paper towels. Save bacon fat to grease your baking sheet.

Chop peeled pears in half and scoop out the core, then slice into thin (1/8 inch thick) slices lengthwise. Place pears in a bowl, and add sugar and cinnamon. Zest your lemon over top, then cut in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the pears in the juice and spices. When bacon has cooled a bit, add bacon and toss again.

Remove crust from freezer. Unwrap the plastic wrap to expose the dough, and layer another piece of plastic over top, to make a plastic-dough-plastic sandwich. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick, making a large circle. Carefully remove the top layer of plastic wrap, then flip crust onto a bacon-greased baking sheet. Peel off the other plastic wrap.

Scoop filling onto the middle of the crust and spread out, leaving 2 inches of crust all around. Fold excess crust over to contain the filling.

Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350, until crust is lightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy! 


bacon recipe courtesy of: Mallory, Total Noms, March 6, 2011

2984. PEAR, BACON and SWISS SANDWICH with LINGONBERRY MAYONNAISE

serves one


2 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
3 slices bacon, encrusted in crushed potato chips, baked in a 350 oven until crisp
enough pear slices to cover bread
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons lingonberry preserves
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds

Mix mayo and jam together. Spread on both slices of bread. Add almonds on top of mayo mixture on both sides. Assemble the rest of the ingredients on the bread. Close sammie and butter the outside of each side. Grill until cheese in melted and bread is golden.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Nancy R (member), Durham, North Carolina, Just A Pinch

2982. ROASTED PEAR, BACON and SPINACH SLAW with KUMQUAT TAHINI DRESSING

serves 2 as a meal


For Salad:
2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage
2 cups finely chopped spinach
3 strips of bacon
3 shallots
1 pear
1 tablespoon sunflower oil and 1 teaspoon, kept separate
1 pinch of salt

 

Dressing:

1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon coconut milk (or cream)

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

4 kumquats

1 pinch chili powder

1 pinch smoked salt

1 pinch black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350. Chop both the pear for the salad and the kumquat for the dressing in thin slices. Put in two separate baking pans (the smallest you have). For the pear, drizzle 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil and a pinch of salt over. Stir well, then put both pans into the oven. Let the kumquat cook for about 8 minutes, and the pear 15. When you remove the kumquats from the oven, give the pears a stir.

 

Meanwhile, chop your shallots and saute them in 1 tablespoon of sunflower seed oil over medium low heat for 6 minutes. Then keep them in the pan but push them to the side and add your bacon to the pan. Let bacon cook on both sides until crisp. While this cooks, chop your cabbage and spinach well. Put in a bowl. When your bacon is done, chop it finely and add to your slaw with 1/2 of your shallots. Put the other 1/2 in a small jar with your roasted kumquats and the rest of the dressing ingredients. When your pear is done, add it to your salad and top with the dressing. Stir well and serve as a meal or a side.

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: Skylor Powell, Sprout Health, for Healthy Way to Cook, May 8, 2013

2941. BACON-PEAR MACARONI AND CHEESE

makes 6 servings 


8 ounces dried elbow macaroni (2 cups) or other short tubular pasta (2 1/3 cups) 
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced 
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon dry mustard 
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
2 1/2 cups whole milk 
6 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, rind removed and shredded 
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, cubed and softened 
2 tablespoons snipped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed 
2 tablespoons butter or margarine 
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar  
2 red and/or green pears, thinly sliced 
2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese 

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return pasta to hot pan; cover to keep warm. Set aside. 

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, turning once. Drain bacon on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet. Crumble and set aside. Reserve 3 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet. 

Cook onion and garlic in bacon drippings over medium heat for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, dry mustard and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; reduce heat. Add smoked Gouda cheese and cream cheese; cook and stir until almost melted. 

Pour cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Stir in oregano and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled bacon. Transfer mixture to an ungreased to 2-quart rectangular baking dish; cover with foil. Bake in a 350 degrees oven for 25 minutes. 

Meanwhile, melt butter in a clean, large skillet. Stir in brown sugar; add pear slices. Cook, turning occasionally, until pears are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Remove foil from the baking dish. Stir about half of the cooked, sliced pears into the macaroni and cheese. Spoon the remaining pear slices atop macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with Parmesan and reserved crumbled bacon. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes or until Parmesan has softened. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Midwest Living  

2411. BACON and PEAR FRITTATA with HOISIN SAUCE

3 rashers bacon, cut into 2 cm squares
1 medium brown onion, sliced
1/2 bunch broccolini
4 medium eggs
1/2 small pear, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup Italian parsley, roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (half for the egg mixture/half for the top)
50 ml extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 cups rocket
2 tablespoons dressing

Heat a grill pan and add the olive oil. Add the bacon and onions, cook for several minutes, then stir fry the roughly chopped broccolini. Combine in a bowl the eggs, half the Parmesan, the diced pear, Italian parsley and seasoning. Add this to the bacon and broccolini then gently stir as it begins to set. When almost set swirl half the hoisin sauce through the top and sprinkle with the remainder of the cheese. Finish under the grill or in a hot oven. Present with a drizzle of the hoisin sauce, olive oil and a little dressed rocket.


bacon recipe courtesy of: IGA Supermarkets, Australia

2289. GOUDA, BACON, PEAR with BALSAMIC ONIONS SANDWICH

makes four 3″ (long) sandwiches or 12 (finger) sandwiches


6 ounces thinly sliced aged gouda, or similar
1 sliced D’Anjou pear, or similar
6 pieces cooked bacon
1 large onion, sliced
2-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
12″ baguette
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Saute sliced onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until soft, 5-8 minutes. Add salt & pepper to taste. Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar. Reduce heat to low and allow balsamic vinegar to absorb into onions, about 5 minutes.

Grill or sear sliced pears over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes a side.

On section of bread, layer aged gouda, cooked bacon, gouda, grilled pear, gouda, balsamic onions, gouda and the top piece of bread. Alternating between ingredients and Gouda ensures that your sandwich will be stuck together.

Grill or griddle over medium heat, pressing sandwich with heavy pan or sandwich press to flatten. Use caution when flipping the sandwich. Cook until cheese is melted and sandwich is warmed through.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Sara O'Donnell, Average Betty, April 26, 2011

2202. BUTTER LETTUCE SALAD with PEPPERED BACON, D'ANJOU PEARS, CANDIED WALNUTS and GORGONZOLA VINAIGRETTE

serves eight


1 head butter lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 D'Anjou pear, sliced
2 strips of peppered bacon, cooked and chopped into pieces
1/2 cup candied walnuts

Dressing:
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 small shallot
1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper

Put all of the salad dressing ingredients in a blender and blend well. Toss the greens with half the dressing, then add the walnuts, bacon and pear slices. Taste. If the salad needs more dressing, add a little bit at a time. Gently toss one more time and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Caroline Fey, Mariposa Kitchen, San Francisco, California

2194. CRISPY DUCK LEG SALAD with POACHED PEARS and a WARM BACON VINAIGRETTE

yields four servings


Duck Confit
1 clove garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
1 bay leaf
4 tablespoons coarse sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
4x4 duck legs, thighs attached
1 pound rendered duck fat

Pears
3 pears, peeled, cored and cut into large dice
4 cups simple syrup
1 lemon

Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
3/4 cup diced double smoked bacon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup hazelnut oil
1/4 cup grape seed oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Salad
2 butter lettuce
1/4 cup finely sliced radicchio
lemon, juice only
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup toasted walnut pieces

Duck Confit: Mix together garlic, bay leaf, thyme, coarse sea salt and peppercorns in a roasting pan. Rub the seasonings onto duck legs and arrange them in one layer in the pan. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours. Preheat the oven to 250 - 275 F. Take out duck from the refrigerator. Melt rendered duck fat (or lard) in a saucepan on medium heat and pour over duck legs, covering them completely. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, shiny side in. Bake in the oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat falls from the bone. Remove from the oven and allow duck to cool in the fat. Place duck legs in an airtight container and cover with duck fat strained through a fine-mesh sieve. Can be prepared ahead up to this point; will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Pears: Place simple syrup in a large saucepan. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice into simple syrup and also add lemon pieces. Add diced pears and bring to a simmer for about 20 – 25 minutes or until tender (can be easily pierced with a paring knife). Remove from heat and allow to cool in liquid.

Vinaigrette: In a large fry pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally as not to brown. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Stir in brown sugar and remove from heat. Add balsamic and Dijon mustard. Mix in hazelnut oil, grape seed oil, and rice vinegar. Return to heat for about 1 minute and keep warm.

Salad: Divide greens between 4 large plates. Add a little Roquefort, poached pears and walnuts to each salad. Place crispy duck leg on top and spoon over warm bacon vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Assembly: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Remove duck legs from fat, wiping off excess with a paper towel, and place on a baking sheet or in an oven proof fry pan. Put in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes to heat through and to crisp skin. Remove from the oven and keep warm. In a large stainless steel bowl, add salad greens, lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and toss together. Divide greens between 4 large plates. Add a little Roquefort, poached pears and walnuts to each salad. Place crispy duck leg on top and spoon over warm bacon vinaigrette. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Rob Feenie, New Classics with Chef Rob Feenie, Food Network Canada

2143. ASIAN PEAR, MACHE, FETA and BACON SALAD with COARSE-GRAIN MUSTARD and MOLASSES

For the Vinaigrette:
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon molasses
1/4 teaspoon (packed) brown sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
pinch kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Salad:
1 Asian pear, core removed, sliced thin
5–6 cups mache, can substitute any green
1/2 cup feta, crumbled
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Peppery Candied Walnuts:
1 cup walnuts
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper fakes

For the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the vinaigrette except olive oil until thoroughly combined. While continuing to whisk constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil to form an emulsifed vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning to taste with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons of dressing for garnish. Add mache and sliced pear to vinaigrette and toss to coat. Divide salad evenly among four plates. Sprinkle each salad with crumbled feta, bacon, and candied walnuts (see below). To garnish, drizzle a teaspoon of reserved vinaigrette around the perimeter of the plate.

For the Peppery Candied Walnuts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Mix together all candied walnut ingredients in abowl until walnuts are evenly coated. Pour walnuts onto prepared baking sheet and scatter into a single layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until nuts turn a deep golden. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent nuts from burning. Remove from oven. Cool nuts completely on the pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.


bacon recipe courtesy of: ifood.tv

1874. CHICORY, BACON, PEAR and PINE NUT SALAD

serves four


10 rindless unsmoked streaky bacon rashers
150 ml smooth fresh orange juice
sea salt
3 tablespoons avocado oil
4 small heads of chicory ideally mixed red and white
1 ripe firm pear
30 grams pine nuts toasted

Heat the grill, lay the bacon rashers out on a grill pan and cook on both sides until golden and crisp. Leave to cool, then crumble or break into pieces.

At the same time, bring the orange juice to the boil in a small pan and simmer to reduce to 2-3 tbsp of liquid. Whisk this with a little salt in a bowl and then add the oil and set aside to cool.

Trim the chicory, separate the leaves and place in a salad bowl. Peel, core and quarter the pear and slice it lengthways. Mix into the chicory and half the bacon. Scatter over the pine nuts and remaining bacon and drizzle over the dressing.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Annie Bell, The Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers Limited, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, September 26, 2009

1814. ENDIVE SALAD with BACON, AVOCADO and GORGONZOLA

1 fresh pear, peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 teaspoon green onion, white part only
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons canola oil
fresh ground pepper, optional
16 oz. Belgian endives, cleaned, cored and chopped
1 1/2 ripe avocados, seeded, peeled and chopped
2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
2 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1 small shallot, peeled and finely minced

To make the pear chiffon dressing: combine the pear, green onion, vinegar, water, mustard and sea salt in a blender and purée until smooth. With the blender running, slowly add the oil in a thin stream until the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding pepper if desired. Pour into a small serving bowl and set aside. Divide chopped endive among individual salad bowls or plates. Top endive with the avocado, bacon, Gorgonzola cheese and shallot. Serve with the pear chiffon dressing.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Hass Avocado

1690. BLUE CHEESE STUFFED BACON SLIDERS

serves twelve


16 slices (1 pound) apple-smoked bacon
2 ripe but firm pears
about 1 tablespoon sugar
3 pounds coarsely ground sirloin, chilled
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces (about 1/2 cup) crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus about 1 teaspoon
sea salt
24 soft, mini burger buns
2 1/2 cups baby arugula leaves
1 small red onion (about the same diameter as the buns), very thinly sliced
1 pint basket cherry tomatoes (optional)

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, and then drain on paper towels. Cut 8 of the slices crosswise into 3 pieces each; crumble the remaining bacon and set both aside separately.

Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and core them. Cut them crosswise into thin slices and put in a bowl. Toss with the sugar and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the meat, thyme, crumbled bacon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Using your hands, knead together lightly. Form the mixture into 48 evenly sized balls (about 1 ounce each). Use the pointed end of an egg to make a small depression in half the patties. Fill them with a little mound of cheese, dividing it evenly among them. Top with the remaining patties, and then pinch them together around the cheese. Make sure the stuffing is completely enclosed. Pat and mold the burgers to fit the buns. The burgers can be shaped and refrigerated, covered, for several hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot or build a medium-hot fire in a barbecue. Generously season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper.

Cook the burgers in the skillet, in batches, turning once or twice, about 3 minutes for medium-rare. Do not press down on the patties. Be gentle when you turn the burgers so they do not break open. With a large spoon, baste the sliders several times with the fat in the pan. To grill the burgers, oil the grate, arrange the patties on it, and cover. Cook as above.

While the burgers cook, toast the buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat, until lightly toasted. Or toast them on the outer perimeter of the grill rack.

When the burgers are done, remove them to a warm platter, keep warm, and let rest for several minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the pear slices, or place them on the outside of the grill rack, and cook just until warm and lightly browned. Turn and repeat, then remove to a plate. They should still be crunchy.

To build the burgers, arrange a few leaves of arugula on the bun bottoms. Top each with a pear slice or two, a piece of bacon, and a burger. Add an onion slice and a bun top, and skewer securely together. Add a cherry tomato as a topknot, if you wish, on the skewer. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Burger Bar: Build Your Own Ultimate Burger, by by Hubert Keller and Penelope Wisner. Wiley, 2009

1585. GREEN BEANS and PEARS with BACON

1/2 pound thick sliced bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 Bosc pears, cored and cut into quarters
1 quart water
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until partially cooked but not brown, 5 to 6 minutes; drain on paper towels. Combine the drained bacon, green beans, and pears in a large saucepan; pour enough water over the mixture to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to low and simmer until cooked and tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from the pan to a serving dish with a slotted spoon, draining excess water. Season with salt and pepper to serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Marilyn Perzik, All recipes.com