3979. SPINACH SALAD with MUSTARD CURRY VINAIGRETTE and BACON

1 – 10 Oz. Package Washed Baby Spinach

1 Recipe Candied Pecans (recipe below)

1 Recipe Mustard Curry Vinaigrette (recipe below)

12 Strips Bacon

Fry the bacon until crisp and lay it out on a paper towel. Pat the excess fat with more paper towels. Keep in a warm place until ready to serve.

Place the spinach attractively and evenly onto salad bowls. Top the salad with salad dressing, to taste. Sprinkle the candied pecans evenly over the salads. Cross two pieces of warm bacon on top of each of the salads. Serve while bacon is still warm.

CANDIED PECANS

1 Cup Pecan Halves

¼ Cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Butter

Heat the brown sugar and butter until it is very hot and starts to bubble. Add in the pecans. Shake and toss the pecans in the sugar mixture until coated evenly and most of the mixture has disappeared. Pour the nuts onto a buttered piece of parchment. Separate the nuts with a spoon while they are still very hot.

MUSTARD CURRY VINAIGRETTE

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

2 tsp. Dijon Style Mustard

1 Tbsp. Honey

1 Tbsp. Water

1 Tbsp. Madras Curry Powder

⅓ Cup Red Wine Vinegar

⅔ Cup Olive Oil

Whisk together the dry mustard, dijon mustard, honey, curry powder and water. Whisk the red wine into the mixture. Whisk the olive oil into the mixture.

bacon recipe source: Euphemia Haye Restaurant & Haye Loft (@EuphemiaHaye), 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228

3966. SPINACH, GRAPES and BACON

Makes: 4 servings


8 slices bacon

4 cups grapes

1/4 cup raspberry vinegar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Dash each salt and ground black pepper

6 cups baby spinach

4 ounces dilled havarti cheese, shaved

Pecan halves (optional)

In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels reserving 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet.

Meanwhile, halve 2 cups of the grapes.

Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper to skillet. Heat 30 seconds just until warm.

In a large bowl combine spinach, and halved grapes; add warm drippings mixture. Toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates. Top with cheese and bacon. Serve with remaining grapes and pecans.

bacon recipe source: Better Homes and Gardens (@BHG) 

3935. WHITE PIZZA with SPINACH and BACON

Yield: makes 1 pizza, serves 2-4


Dough

1 1/8 cups warm water

3 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

Pizza

6 slices thick-cut bacon

8 ounces fresh spinach

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup freshly grated provolone cheese

1/3 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup freshly grated fontina cheese

1/4 cup freshly grated parmagiano-reggiano cheese

Dough:
In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, honey and olive oil. Mix with a spoon, then let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add in 2 1/2 cups flour and salt, stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball and work in the additional 1/2 cup flour, kneading it on a floured surface for a few minutes. Rub the same bowl with olive oil then place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about 1-1 1/2 hours.

After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it back on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, form it into your desired shape (sometimes I use baking sheets and do rectangles or free form pizzas - this specific dough will yield one pizza large enough to feed about 3-4 people) and place on a baking sheet or pizza peel. Place the towel back over the dough and let sit in the warm place for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. (Sometimes I use a pizza stone and heat my oven to 450 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. If you're just using a baking sheet, follow the directions below for baking and set to 375 degrees.)

Pizza:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook just until the fat has rendered - you don't want the bacon too crispy because it will cook more in the oven. Remove the bacon from the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Add the spinach and the garlic, stirring well. Cook until the spinach is wilted.

Brush the pizza dough with the olive oil. Cover it with scoops of the ricotta cheese, then evenly spread the remaining cheeses over top. Add on the spinach and the bacon. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese and crust is golden and bubbly. 


bacon recipe source: Jessica Merchant, How Sweet It Is (@HowSweetBlog), January 23, 2014

3920. BROWN RICE BOWL with EGG, AVOCADO and BACON

serves 4


5 pieces bacon, chopped
2 scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
8 oz. curly spinach, stemmed (8 packed cups)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
4 cups cooked brown rice, warm
1 avocado, thinly sliced
4 radishes, thinly sliced
4 large fried eggs

Cook the bacon and scallions in a large skillet over medium until the bacon is crispy, 5 minutes. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute.

Whisk the oil, vinegar, and sesame seeds in a small bowl.

Divide the brown rice, spinach mixture, avocado, and radishes in the bowls. Top with the eggs and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Drizzle with the sesame dressing and serve warm, with more dressing on the side.


bacon recipe source: Kay Chun, Real Simple (@RealSimple), March 2016

3910. CHEESY SPINACH and BACON EMPANADAS

24 servings


Empanada dough (recipe below)
6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 egg, beaten

Prepare Empanada Dough as directed:

Empanada Dough (enough dough for 12 servings, 1 medium empanada or 2 small empanadas each)

2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup lard
1/2 cup water

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut in lard with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, stirring until mixture forms ball.
Place dough on lightly floured surface; knead 5 min. or until smooth and pliable. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; set aside while preparing empanada filling.

Cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat 3 min. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 4 min. or until bacon is crisp. Drain; place in medium bowl. Add spinach, cheese, corn and crushed pepper; mix well.

Heat oven to 400°F. Shape dough into 24 balls, using about 1 Tbsp. dough for each ball. Press each ball into 4-inch round. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. spinach mixture onto center of each round. Brush edges of dough evenly with half the egg; fold in half. Press tops lightly to remove air pockets. Press edges together to seal. Place on parchment-covered baking sheet; brush with remaining egg.

Bake 15 min. or until golden brown. Cool slightly.


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

3875. HOMEMADE RAMEN with BACON and SOFT-BOILED EGGS

Yield: 2 servings


4 slices bacon, chopped
1 (1-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass
1 tablespoon white miso paste (or more to taste)
Red pepper flakes, to taste (I used about ½ teaspoon)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or to taste)
½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 package dried ramen noodles (discard the included seasoning packet)

Toppings:
2 cups stemmed and chopped baby spinach leaves
1 shallot, very thinly sliced
2 soft-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
Chopped scallions
Sriracha hot sauce (optional)

Place a pot over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Render until crispy. Remove half of the bacon with slotted spoon and set aside (this will be used as a garnish).

To the remaining bacon and drippings, add the ginger, garlic, and lemongrass and sauté for 1 minute. Add the miso paste and red pepper flakes and stir until incorporated. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes and then strain out and discard the aromatics (bacon, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass). Stir in the soy sauce, vinegars, and toasted sesame oil and keep warm until ready to serve.

Make the soft-boiled eggs at this point but do not drain the water when finished. Instead, return the water to a simmer and cook the ramen noodles for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

To serve, divide the baby spinach, shallot, and the cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top each bowl with the crisped bacon, soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and hot sauce. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe source: Molly, Yes to Yolks (@mollycreilly), August 26, 2014

3852. BACON, EGG, SPINACH and TUNA SALAD

Makes: 4 servings


4 eggs
6 slices bacon
12 ounces tuna steaks
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 6 ounce package fresh baby spinach

Place eggs in saucepan; cover with water. Bring to rapid boil. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes (yolks will be soft-set at 10). Drain. Rinse with cold water; cool. Peel and halve.

Meanwhile, in large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain; reserve drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside. Remove 2 tablespoons drippings for dressing. Add tuna to skillet; cook over medium-high heat 3 minutes per side or until slightly pink in center. Transfer to cutting board; cover and keep warm. Slice before serving.

Wipe skillet clean. Whisk in reserved drippings, vinegar, honey, and mustard to skillet. Bring to boiling.

Line plates with spinach. Top with sliced tuna, crumbled bacon, and the eggs. Drizzle dressing. Sprinkle pepper. 


bacon recipe source: Better Homes and Gardens

3851. SAUTEED SPRING GREENS with BACON and MUSTARD SEEDS

Servings: 4


2 ounces thick-cut bacon, finely diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
1 hot red chile, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
1 1/4 pounds mixed young spring greens, such as dandelion, mustard, collards, Tuscan kale and spinach—stems and inner ribs trimmed, leaves cut into ribbons
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon in the olive oil over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the shallot, chile and mustard seeds and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the greens, season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until wilted and tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and serve.

Make Ahead: The cooked greens can be refrigerated overnight. 


bacon recipe source: Grace Parisi, Food & Wine, June 2013

3810. SPINACH, BACON, FETA and MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Salad

8 cups packed spinach leaves (prewashed, bag type)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup crumbled bacon pieces

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

1 - 11 oz can Mandarin oranges, well drained

Combine all dressing ingredients in a small container or jar. Shake, shake, shake and put in the fridge to chill. 30 minutes should do it.

Combine all salad ingredients. Toss with a few tablespoons of dressing and serve!

bacon recipe source: Kathi, Laughing Spatula (@LaughingSpatula), August 28, 2014

3809. STRAWBERRY BACON SPINACH SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING

Serves: 6


1 pound of baby spinach

½ pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and diced

1 (10 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

½ cup grated Swiss cheese

½ pound cooked bacon, chopped

½ pound button mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and sliced (optional)

½ cup candied pecan pieces

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar

2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup

⅓ cup grapeseed oil (or other neutral flavored oil)

2 tablespoons grated red onion

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients and toss well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing. Pour dressing over salad just before serving and toss.

bacon recipe source: Allison Ruth (@somethewiser), Some the Wiser, July 1, 2014

3776. GRILLED OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER with BABY SPINACH BACON FONDUE

serves 4 to 6


18 large oysters shell on, scrubbed, and rinsed

1 cup diced applewood bacon, sliced into lardons

4 minced shallots

4 cloves minced garlic

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 cups baby spinach

1/4 cup anise liquor, Sambuca or Pernod

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1/2 cup grated gruyere

2 cups rock salt, for serving only

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Heat 4 tablespoons of butter with shallots, garlic, bacon, and salt in a large saute pan.

Saute until the shallots are translucent and the bacon is crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Add the flour and mix together well to make a roux. Stirring frequently, cook the roux until it smells nutty, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Away from the burner deglaze the roux with the anise liquor, place the pan back on the burner being careful, as the anise liquor will flame up.

Add the heavy cream and stir to incorporate.

Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the baby spinach, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg, and bring back to a boil.

Once at a boil, immediately reduce to a simmer, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Cook until the spinach has release its liquid, and spinach has softened.

Over medium heat cook the mixture down to a fondue like thickness, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove from the heat and reserve to the side.

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saute pan.

Once melted remove from the heat and incorporate the seasoned bread crumbs, reserve to the side.

Turn broiler on.

Take the oysters and place on the pre-heated to high grill, cook the oysters until the shell just “POPS” open, about 3 minutes, remove the oysters from the grill.

Take an oyster knife and pry open the top shell, scraping the oyster knife around the top of the shell to loosen the oyster from the shell. BE CAREFUL.

Once the top shell has been removed discard, with the oyster knife scrape the knife under the bottom of the oyster to remove from the bottom shell, leaving the oyster “on the half shell,” repeat this to the remaining 17 oysters.

Place the rock salt evenly onto a baking tray that fits 18 large oysters.

Evenly place the oysters, shell down, onto the rock salt, making sure to press the oyster shells into the salt.

Evenly spoon the baby spinach bacon fondue on top of the oysters, now take and evenly place the grated cheeses on top of the fondue.

Evenly sprinkle the buttered seasoned bread crumbs on top of the cheese.

Place the baking tray with the oysters into the preheated broiler and cook until the oysters are bubbly and the bread crumbs are toasted , about 4 to 5 minutes.

Remove from the broiler and place onto a cooling rack.

Serve the oysters immediately.

bacon recipe source: Guy Fieri, "Guy's Big Steakhouse," Guy's Big Bite, Season 17, Episode 12

3769. BOMBAY BACON CURRY

Serves 4

200 g (7 oz) sweet cured unsmoked back bacon rashers
15 ml (1 tbsp) oil
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
30 ml (2 tbsp) medium curry powder
30 ml (2 tbsp) ground cumin
1 courgette, thickly sliced
¼ (about 200 g) cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 potatoes, skin on and cut into small cubes
100 ml water
2 x (approx) 400 g can chopped tomatoes
30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh coriander, roughly chopped
2 large handfuls baby spinach

Place oil in large saucepan and heat, add the bacon, onion and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the curry powder and cumin, combine well together. Then add the courgette, cauliflower, potatoes and water. Stir well.

Next, add the tomatoes and bring to the boil, cover with lid and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

Just before serving, stir through the coriander and spinach and serve with warmed chapattis and a side order of chopped fresh tomato, red onion and coriander mixed together and drizzled with a little flavoured oil.

bacon recipe source: Paula Jones, Reveal Magazine (@RevealMag), March 22, 2013

3753. BREAKFAST EMPANADAS with BACON and SWEET POTATO

2 cups flour plus more for dusting and rolling

1 tsp salt
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
4 eggs, beaten, plus 2 eggs, lightly beaten, divided (for dough and egg wash)

1/4 cup ice water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
3 slices thick-cut bacon
2 cups spinach leaves
1 small onion, diced
1 small sweet potato, scrubbed and diced
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly flour a baking sheet and set aside.

Combine flour, salt, butter, vinegar and 1 lightly-beaten egg in a food processor or in a bowl, using 2 forks to mash, until the mixture resembles small peas. Slowly stream in ice water (you may not need it all), just until dough comes together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface.

Use a floured rolling pin to roll dough out into a large circle, about 1/4" thick. Use small bowls or large cups to cut 5 or 6" circles out of the dough. Place on wax or parchment paper until ready to use. You should have 6-8 circles.

Heat a large ungreased frying pan over high heat. Cook bacon for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until quite crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Lower the heat to medium-high and cook the sweet potatoes and onions for 4-5 minutes, or until sweet potatoes begin to soften. Add spinach and 4 beaten eggs. Cook until eggs are set, stirring frequently. Crumble cooked bacon over mixture and stir in cheddar cheese. Scrape mixture into a bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Once mixture has cooled, scoop 3-4 tbsp mixture onto each dough circle, and fold over, pinching to seal. Gently press a fork along the seam to create ridges along the edges.

Combine the remaining lightly-beaten egg with 2 tbsp water and use a pastry brush to lightly brush the empanadas with the egg wash. Transfer empanadas to the floured baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until empanadas are golden brown and glossy.

bacon recipe source: Gabi Moskowitz, BrokeAss Gourmet (@BrokeAssGourmet)

3746. BACON, DATE and MANCHEGO QUESADILLAS with PISTACHIO CREAM

yields four servings

For the quesadillas:
12 slices bacon
4 10 -inch flour tortillas
2 cups shredded manchego cheese (about 8 ounces)
5 dates, pitted and julienned
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the pistachio cream:
1/2 cup salted pistachios
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 cups spinach
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bacon slices side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until browned and crisp, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Meanwhile, make the pistachio cream: Combine the pistachios, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice and spinach in a food processor and pulse until chopped; with the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and process 5 more seconds. Pour the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the crema; set aside.

Assemble the quesadillas: On 1 half of each tortilla, layer 1/2 cup cheese, 3 slices bacon and a few date slices. Fold the tortillas in half to cover the filling. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 quesadillas and cook until golden on both sides and gooey in the middle, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining 2 quesadillas, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan.

Cut each quesadilla into 4 triangles; serve with the pistachio cream.

bacon recipe source: Jeff Mauro, Food Network Magazine

3740. BACON SPINACH MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD with WARM DRESSING

4 strips of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

1 can of mandarin orange, drained
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
Several red onion rings
1 ten ounce bag of baby spinach
½ cup of slivered almonds

1/3 cup of red wine vinegar
½ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1½ tablespoons of butter
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten

Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, butter and salt together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 1 minute. Set pot off stove for about an hour to cool. In a dish, beat the egg then add to the can and put back on the stove. Stay with the pan and stir constantly. Allow dressing to cool. Put all the other items in a bowl and drizzle the warm salad dressing over the salad. Serve with crackers.

bacon recipe source: Kelli's Kitchen (@venuscorpiogirl), August 21, 2014

3739. POTATO MOUSSAKA with BACON and SPINACH

800 grams potatoes

200 grams spinach

1-4 tablespoons oil

50 grams bacon

100 grams feta cheese

3 tablespoons grated cheese

1 small clove garlic

8 dl milk

little butter

1 tablespoon bread crumbs

salt, pepper, dried vegetable seasoning

Peel potatoes and cut into thin slices. Drain the spinach and finely shred and feta cheese crumble with fork. Butter fireproof dish and align layer of potatoes, layer of spinach, bacon pieces, feta cheese, and so until all is used (the last layer need to be potato). Heat milk with garlic, salt, pepper and spice from dried vegetables, then at first spray moussaka with oil, sprinkle bread crumbs, and then pour the milk.

Place in preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and bake for about 35-40 minutes. At the end of baking sprinkle grated cheese and return to oven until cheese melt and brown.

bacon recipe source: Serbian Cookbook (@SerbianCookBook), November 12, 2011

3628. SKILLET CORN and EDAMAME with SPINACH and BACON

1 cup sweet corn
1 cup edamame
2 heaping handfuls of baby spinach
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 red sweet pepper, sliced and diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup red and orange cherry tomatoes
2 slices bacon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin

In a serving dish, place spinach to cover most of the dish. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a dish lined with paper towels to absorb the oil. Break up into bits. Drain the skillet of most of the oil, reserving about a tablespoon. Add scallions to the hot skillet and sautee for about a minute. Add corn, edamame, sweet pepper, salt & pepper and cumin to the skillet. Sautee for about 4 minutes. Add cilantro and fold in gently. Add tomatoes and fold in and allow to warm through for about a minute. Using a large spoon, transfer the contents of the skillet to the bed of spinach. The heat from the salad will cause the spinach to soften nicely. Top the salad with the bacon bits. Serve warm and enjoy.


bacon recipe source: Lyn, Lovely Pantry (@LovelyPantry), January 13, 2013

3626. ORECCHIETTE with BACON, BLACK-EYED PEAS and SPINACH

makes eight servings 


1/2 pound bacon, frozen for 15 minutes and very thinly sliced crosswise 
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced 
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved 
2 cups drained canned or thawed frozen black-eyed peas 
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 
Salt 
Black pepper 
1 1/2 pounds dried orecchiette pasta 
5 ounces baby spinach 
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving 

In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet and heat the olive oil in it. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Scrape the garlic oil into a serving bowl. Add the tomatoes, black-eyed peas, vinegar and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper to the bowl and toss well. 

In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the orecchiette until al dente. Drain well. Add the pasta and the spinach to the tomato mixture and toss until the spinach is just wilted. Season the pasta generously with salt and black pepper and toss again. Sprinkle the bacon on top and serve, passing cheese at the table.


bacon recipe source: Food & Wine, January 2015

3624. BACON, SALAMI, and SWEET POTATO HASH

serves 4 


6 slices bacon, diced

2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cups baby spinach leaves
8 ounces dry salami, casing removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Zest of small orange
4 large eggs

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel. Add sweet potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the pan. Cook until brown and crisp, about 25 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the pan and place on a paper towel.

Add oil, onion, bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach, salami, nutmeg, orange zest. Cook until the spinach is wilted. Add bacon and potatoes, stir to combine.

Make four holes in the hash and break an egg into each. Cook until the eggs are cooked through. To cook faster, place a lid over the pan.


bacon recipe source: Lauren Grier, Climbing Grier Mountain (@GrierMountain), October 17, 2012

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