3988. CABBAGE with BACON and ROOTS

Serves 6


large knob of butter
100g smoked streaky bacon, cut into small pieces
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
few thyme sprigs
1 celeriac, cut into batons
2 carrots, cut into batons
1 Savoy cabbage, shredded
small glass (125ml) white wine

In a large pan melt the butter. Add the bacon and sizzle for 5 mins until golden. Add the garlic and thyme to the pan and stir for 1 min. Take the pan off the heat, remove the bacon mixture and reserve.

Add the celeriac and carrot batons into the now empty pan with a little of the bacon-flavoured butter. Gently cook for 10 mins until soft, then add the cabbage and cook for 5 mins until it starts to soften. Add the bacon and garlic back to the pan, then add the white wine. Allow the wine to evaporate for a few mins then season the mixture and serve. This can be made ahead and left in the pan, then reheated.

bacon recipe source: Matt Tebbutt, Good Food Magazine, February 2010

3977. CLAM CHOWDER with BACON and CROUTONS

Yields 6 servings

1/4 cup (60 mL) butter

2 onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour

4 cups (1 L) milk

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper

2 cans (5 oz/142 g each) clams with juices

Garnish:

6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

1/2 cup (125 mL) bread croutons

3 green onions, chopped

Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add onions. Cook until fragrant but do not brown. Add flour. Cook over medium low heat, stirring, for 5 min. Cool slightly.

Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil. Add potatoes, thyme, salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 20 min).

Add clams and juices and heat thoroughly. Do not boil. Taste and add seasoning, if necessary.

Serve garnished with green onions, bacon bits and croutons.

bacon recipe source: Dairy Goodness (@100CanadianMilk), 1801 McGill College Avenue, Suite 700, Montreal, QC, H3A 2N4

3970. ONE-POT PASTA with CHICKEN, BACON and BBQ SAUCE

Makes 6 servings

1 tablespoon bacon fat or olive oil

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast half

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 strips bacon, diced

½ medium onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 cups bone broth (see Notes)

1 15 oz. can stewed tomatoes, diced

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

¼ teaspoon dried chili flakes

3 cups tricolor radiatori or other short pasta

⅓ cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Warm bacon fat or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in the pot. Cook until golden brown without turning, 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool for 5 minutes and then dice; it's OK if the chicken is raw in the middle as it will continue to cook when it's added back to the pot.

In the same pot, cook bacon and onion on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon crisps and onion starts to brown, 8-10 minutes.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add bone broth, tomatoes with juice, milk, thyme, chili flakes, pasta and diced chicken. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Uncover and continue simmering until pasta is cooked and liquid reduces, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in BBQ sauce and cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes: Bone broth is made by simmering meaty bones for hours until they break down and release vitamins and minerals.


bacon recipe source: Alison Strickland (@AlisonTCG), Two of a Kind, June 2, 2015

3964. VANILLA THYME CRÈME BRÛLÉE with CANDIED BACON

Crème Brûlée

1⅓ cups (330 ml) heavy cream

⅔ cup (160 ml) whole or low-fat milk

¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus more for caramelizing

Pinch sea salt or kosher salt

4 large egg yolks

1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

1 tsp of fresh thyme

Candied Bacon

6 thick cut slices of bacon

⅓ cup (65g) of dark brown sugar

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp of powdered sugar

1 tsp of cinnamon

Crème Brûlée

On the stovetop, gently warm the milk, cream, salt and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar melts.

Once the cream mixture starts to steam, but not boil, remove from heat and whisk in the scraped vanilla and fresh thyme. Drop in the split pod and let it rest for 30 minutes.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks together lightly. Remove the pod from the cream mixture and gradually add to the egg yolks until completely blended.

Pour the mixture into each dish until you almost reach the top of each and place them on a baking sheet with walls high enough to hold water up to the middle of each dish. Pour the hot water into the baking sheet and place into the oven for approximately 30-35 minutes. They should each barely quiver when you tap the sheet.

Remove the custards and let them rest on a cooling rack. When cool, refrigerate for approximately an hour (covered with plastic wrap if doing so overnight)

Candied Bacon

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F

In a medium sized mixing bowl, toss the bacon and brown sugar until all slices are evenly covered. Arrange each slice on a baking sheet lined with foil about an inch apart and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Check it at the 20 minute mark to see if it's looks crispy. It will continue to crisp once it's out of the oven.

When ready, place on a cooling rack and allow the brown sugar coating to harden.

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Combine cream, sugar and cinnamon to a medium sized mixing bowl and whisk (or use a hand mixer) until soft peaks form. I chilled ours for 15 minutes (while the bacon rested).

Caramelizing the Sugar

Before serving, add 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to the top of each cooled custard and tilt until the entire top is covered lightly. Using a torch, wave over the sugar and tilt slightly until it melts and browns. Be careful will shifting the dish as the liquid sugar is very hot. Once caramelized, add the whipped cream and bacon.

bacon recipe source: Thyme & Temp (@thymeandtemp), April 26, 2015

3946. TROUT with CRISP BACON CRUST

Serves 4


2 rashers streaky bacon
2 sprigs thyme
1 lemon, zested and cut into quarters
50g fresh bread crumbs
4 rainbow trout fillets
2 tbsp olive oil

Heat oven to 425F/220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Finely chop the bacon, then mix together with the thyme, lemon zest and breadcrumbs. Place the fish fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish, then sprinkle a quarter of the breadcrumb mixture over each fillet. Arrange the lemon wedges around the fish and drizzle with the oil. Roast the fish for 8-10 mins until it is cooked through, flakes easily and the topping is golden. Serve with steamed veg and boiled new potatoes. 


bacon recipe source: Good Food magazine, BBC, September 2007

3939. BACON-WRAPPED MEATLOAF with COGNAC SAUCE

Makes: 8 very large servings


3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, diced small
3 ounces tomato paste
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup port wine
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground veal
½ cup prepared roasted and chopped garlic (see note)
½ tablespoon dried basil
½ tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
3 eggs
1 pound applewood smoked bacon

Cognac sauce:
2 teaspoons butter
1 large onion, diced
1 shallot, diced
4 sprigs thyme
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
2 cups cognac or brandy
2 cups veal stock (available at specialty food stores)
2 cups veal demi-glace (available at specialty food stores)
¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Make cognac sauce: In a medium pan, heat butter. Add onion, shallot, thyme, peppercorns and bay leaf and sauté until onion and shallots are golden brown. Add cognac and reduce by more than half. Add stock and demi-glace and reduce until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and strain. Discard solids.

At this point, you can store this in an airtight container until ready for serving. (Cream will be added just before serving.)

In a large saute pan, melt butter. Add onion and cook over low heat 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until caramelized. Add tomato paste and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, port and sugar. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine meat, garlic, spices, eggs, panko and reserved onion mixture. Mix by hand to combine thoroughly.

Set about a 17-by-13-inch baking sheet horizontally in front of you. Line generously with heavy-duty foil. Foil should come well over ends of the pan.

Lay bacon slices horizontally on the foil so that they run from top of pan to bottom. You will have to overlap them slightly.

On the right side of bacon strips, form meat into a loaf to cover the bacon strips.

Using the foil, roll the meat mixture over the remaining bacon to completely encase the meatloaf. Seal the open ends of the bacon by weaving a toothpick or wooden skewer through the strips. Set loaf, skewers side down, on the baking sheet and then cover completely in foil.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Set meatloaf on a baking rack over a jellyroll pan. Bake in preheated oven 1 hour, then remove meatloaf from oven and remove the foil. Return meatloaf to oven (setting it on the rack over the pan), and bake 15 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Let cool slightly, then cut into sections. Set flat on a plate so bacon slices surround the meatloaf.

Immediately before serving, add cream to the cognac sauce and bring to a simmer, then pour over meatloaf.

Notes: If desired, you can make your own garlic. Take ½ cup chopped garlic and roast in preheated 350-degree oven 1 hour, or until soft and light brown.


bacon recipe source: Mike Stoner and Duffy O'Neil, North Star American Bistro, 19115 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045; Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel)

3927. MINESTRONE SOUP with BUTTERNUT SQUASH, KALE and WHITE BEANS

Yield: Serves 6-8


4 ounces bacon, ½-inch-diced (4-5 slices)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for toasting the bread and serving
3 cups (½-inch) diced peeled butternut squash (about 1 pound)
2 cups (½-inch) diced carrots (4 carrots)
2 cups (½-inch) diced celery (3 stalks)
1 and 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
1 and ½ tablespoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 pound kale, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
26 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
6 to 8 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional as needed (depending upon the saltiness of the stock)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups cooked whole wheat small pasta, such as elbow (about 1 cup dry)
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices

In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium low, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Remove from pan and place in between two paper towels set atop a dinner plate. Blot lightly and set aside. Drain most of the excess fat from the Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, squash, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Add the kale in batches as it fits in the pot, stirring so that it cooks down. Once kale has lightly wilted, add the tomatoes, 6 cups chicken stock, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to directions. Drain and set aside.

Once soup has simmered and the vegetables are soft, discard the bay leaf. Add the beans, cooked pasta, and reserved bacon and heat through. The soup should be fairly thick, but add additional chicken stock as needed. Serve hot drizzled with olive oil and topped with Parmesan cheese.

To toast baguette: Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Cook until golden and toasted, about 6 minutes. Serve warm with soup.


bacon recipe source: Erin Clarke, Well Plated (@WellPlated), October 17, 2013

3913. ACKEE and BACON

Servings: 4 to 6


1/2 pound cooked ackee
1/2 pound bacon
1 small onion, diced
1 bunch scallions, diced
1 sprig thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly pulled thyme
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
1 habanero pepper, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


In a frying pan fry the bacon until crisp. Heat the oil in a separate, large frying pan, add the onion, scallions, habanero pepper and garlic. Fry over low heat until the onion is translucent, then add the fresh thyme. Add the bacon and fry, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, and then the tomatoes and ackee. Toss gently so as not to break up the ackee. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.


bacon recipe source: Today, NBC

3908. BACON-WRAPPED DRIED PLUMS with BLUE CHEESE and BALSAMIC-HONEY GLAZE

Makes 24 Pieces


Plums:
9 ounces of thinly-sliced bacon, cut in half 

2 ounces soft blue cheese

3 ounces cream cheese

½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Pinch of kosher salt

24 pitted dried plums (prunes)

Balsamic Glaze:
½ cup balsamic

1 ½ Tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Bacon: Lay the cut bacon on a cooling rack over a sheet pan. Transfer to the oven and partially cook the bacon (only 5 minutes).

Make Stuffing: Using a hand mixer or fork, mix the blue cheese and cream cheese together. Add the thyme and salt. Chill in freezer for 5 minutes.

Stuff Prunes: Using a pastry bag fitted with ¼-inch tip, stuff each prune with 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Wrap with a piece of partially cooked bacon and fasten with a toothpick.

Broil: Place on a baking pan and broil on one side until the bacon starts to brown (about 2-3 minutes). Turn and finish cooking until the bacon is crisp (another 2-3 minutes). If left too long under the broiler, the cheese will melt and ooze out. Transfer to a platter, garnish platter with a few sprigs of thyme.

Balsamic Glaze: Combine balsamic and honey in a sauté pan and simmer/reduce for 2 minutes. Drizzle or brush over plated prunes.


bacon recipe source: Parties That Cook (@PartiesThatCook), 601 Minnesota Street, Suite 115, San Francisco, CA 94107

3885. MAPLE-BACON BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

Yield: 3 lb


Diced bacon: 0.50 lb
Finely chopped fresh parsley: 2 1/4 tsp
Ice water: 1/4 cup
Maple syrup: 1/3 cup
Fine sea salt: 1 1/2 tsp
Coarsely ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
Red pepper flakes: 1 tsp
Finely chopped fresh sage: 2 1/4 tsp
Finely chopped fresh thyme leaves: 2 1/4 tsp
Finely grated ginger: 1/2 tsp
Ground fenugreek: 1/2 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Sheep casings (optional)

Place the pork and bacon on a rimmed baking sheet, transfer to the freezer, and chill until crunchy on the exterior but not frozen solid.

In a small bowl, add the parsley, ice water, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, sage, thyme, ginger, fenugreek, and nutmeg and stir to combine.

Nest a large mixing bowl in a bowl filled with ice. Grind the pork and bacon through the small die of the grinder into the bowl set in ice.

Add the spice mixture to the meat and stir with your hands until well incorporated; the mixture will look homogenous and will begin sticking to the bowl.

Spoon 2 tbsp of the meat mixture into a nonstick frying pan and spread into a thin patty. Cook the test patty over low heat until cooked through but not browned. Taste the sausage for seasoning and adjust as necessary.

Press a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the meat to prevent oxidation, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Alternatively, you can vacuum-seal the farce.

This sausage can be left uncased, either loose or formed into patties, or stuffed into sheep casings and twisted into links.

Breakfast sausages (both patties and links) are best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C, either in a sauté pan or on a griddle over medium heat until browned.



bacon recipe source: Sausage Making: The Definitive Guide with Recipes, by Ryan Farr (Chronicle Books, 2014); The Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper

3882. HERBED GRUYERE SCALLOPED POTATOES and BACON AU GRATIN

Serves: 8


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


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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

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

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

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

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

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


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

3870. LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP and GRITS with TABASCO BACON PAN SAUCE

Serves 5



Grits:

2 cups organic yellow grits or any quick grits (not instant)

4 cups fresh chicken broth

4 cups milk

2 cloves garlic, chopped fine

2 shallots, chopped fine

1 tablespoon whole butter

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and sauté shallots and garlic. Add milk and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add grits slowly, using a whisk to incorporate thoroughly. Lower the heat and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until soft and creamy.


Shrimp and Sauce:

20-25 large shrimp, peeled and de-veined

4 slices of apple-smoked bacon, diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons black coffee

1/2 cup chicken broth

Juice of one lemon

Tabasco to taste

Salt and pepper

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and sauté bacon and green onions until bacon is done. Add shrimp and a little butter, if necessary, and cook shrimp (about five minutes). Add coffee and then chicken broth. Add lemon juice, Tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste.


To Serve: Place grits in a bowl. Add shrimp and sauce and top with 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese.


bacon recipe source: D Magazine, 750 N St Paul St, Ste 2100, Dallas, TX 75201

3858. HEARTY SPLIT PEA and SMOKY BACON SOUP with RUSTIC GARLIC-BUTTER CROUTONS

Yield: Serves about 4-6


Canola oil

6 slices thick-cut, apple-smoked bacon, finely chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 onion, finely chopped

2 ribs celery, finely diced

2 carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 teaspoons dried marjoram

Salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 large cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press

1 pound green split peas, picked through and rinsed

6 cups hot chicken stock

1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Squeeze of lemon

Rustic Garlic-Butter Croutons (recipe below)

Place a medium-large or large soup pot over medium-high heat, and add in just a small drizzle of oil; once the oil is hot, add in the chopped bacon, and cook until golden and crispy; remove bacon with a slotted spoon, set aside, and wipe out most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon worth in the pot.

Place the pot back on medium heat, and add in the butter; once melted, add in the onion, celery, and carrot, and saute those for a couple of minutes just until they begin to become tender.

Add in the marjoram, a pinch or two of salt, the black pepper, and the garlic, and stir to combine; cook for a moment or two until the garlic becomes aromatic.

Add in the split peas, along with the stock, and stir to combine; bring the soup up to a rolling simmer/boil, and then cover, and reduce the heat to low, simmering the soup very gently for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the peas have split and are tender.

Finish the soup by adding in the chopped parsley and the thyme, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, and check to see if any additional salt or pepper is needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with some of the Rustic Garlic-Butter croutons, and a generous sprinkle of the crispy bacon.

Rustic Garlic-Butter Croutons:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 small cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press

Black pepper

Salt

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

8 ounces ciabatta bread, sliced into ½" thick slices, and then cubed into small cubes

Preheat the oven to 425°, and line a baking sheet with foil.

Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave for a few moments; to it add the pressed garlic cloves, a pinch of black pepper, a couple of pinches of salt, and the Italian seasoning, and mix with a fork to combine.

Place the cubed ciabatta into a medium-size bowl, and pour the butter mixture evenly over the cubes; toss to coat, and pour the cubes out in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, tossing the cubes occasionally for even crisping/browning.

Remove from oven and allow the cubes to cool completely on the baking sheet; use immediately, or keep in a ziplock. (You can re-crisp them, if necessary, in a low-heat toaster oven for about 8-10 minutes.)


bacon recipe source: Ingrid Beer, The Cozy Apron (@TheCozyApron), March 1, 2015

3839. CHICKEN and BACON SKEWERS with LEMON THYME BUTTER

makes four servings


500g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2cm cubes
4 rashers bacon
4 corn cobs, cut into 4cm discs
100g unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons chopped lemon thyme

Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Meanwhile, place butter, lemon thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl, and stir until combined.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Drain skewers. Cut bacon into 10cm x 3cm lengths. Wrap a piece of bacon around a cube of chicken and thread onto a skewer. Repeat for remaining bacon and chicken, allowing 3 pieces of chicken to a skewer.

Spray a stovetop grill or non- stick frying pan with oil spray. Cook skewers over medium heat for 4 minutes, turning regularly, until bacon is golden. Remove and place on a lined baking tray.

Place in oven and cook for a further 8 minutes or until cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

Steam or boil corn. Spread some of the herbed butter over corn and serve with chicken skewers


bacon recipe source: Kate Murdoch, Taste.com.au, October 2007

3821. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SOUP with AGED CHEDDAR and BACON

Serves: 4-6


1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper
5 strips center cut bacon
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
3 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 cup aged, sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk or cream
salt and pepper to taste

Heat your oven to 400º F. Toss the cauliflower florets with the 2 Tbsp. olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Spread the florets out on a cookie sheet and roast, about 20 minutes, until they start to brown and have softened.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet on the stove top. Remove the bacon when crisp, and drain on some paper towels. Keep the remaining bacon grease in the skillet and add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens.

Add the garlic and thyme to the onions, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Scrape the onion/garlic mixture into a large saucepan.

When the cauliflower is done, place the florets in the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare your toasts. Slice up some crusty bread, lay it on a cookie sheet and brush each slice with some olive oil. Sprinkle with salt.

After 20 minutes, puree the soup using an immersion blender (or you can use a regular blender, just do it in batches and return it to the pot).

Stir in the cheese, stirring until melted completely.

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toast the bread slices in the oven for just a couple of minutes, until they start to brown a bit.

Serve the soup with the toast slices and sprinkle each bowl of soup with some of the crisped up bacon.


bacon recipe source: Christine Carlisle, Chew Nibble Nosh (@chewnibblenosh), October 17, 2012

3819. CURLY ENDIVE SALAD with BACON and POACHED EGGS

Servings: 4


4 cups 1/2-inch cubes good-quality white bread
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
2 small heads curly endive (about 1 1/2 pounds in all), torn into bite-size pieces (about 5 quarts)
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon red- or white-wine vinegar
4 eggs
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Put a large frying pan over moderate heat. Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Put them in the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp and brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the croutons from the pan.

Add the bacon to the pan and cook until crisp. Remove and drain. Put in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl with the endive. Pour off all but 1/4 cup of the fat from the pan.

Fill a saucepan two-thirds full with water. Add the 1 teaspoon vinegar and bring to a boil. Break each egg into a cup or small bowl and slide one at a time into the water. Reduce the heat to a bare simmer. Poach the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

To the fat in the pan, add the remaining 4 tablespoons oil, the garlic, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Warm the dressing over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic barely starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons vinegar and remove from the heat. Toss the dressing with the endive and bacon until the endive wilts slightly. Add the croutons and toss again. Put on plates. Top each salad with a warm egg.


bacon recipe source: Food & Wine, August 2012

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

3808. GRILLED KING TRUMPET MUSHROOM, KALE and BACON SALAD with LEMON-HERB VINAIGRETTE

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1/2 lb large meaty wild mushrooms such as king trumpet, porcini/bolete, or chanterelle

2 or 3 strips applewood-smoked bacon, chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, and/or mint

1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and leaves cut into strips crosswise

Kosher salt

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth, trim the stems, and cut into 1/2 thick slices. If the mushrooms are too small to place directly on the cooking grate of your grill, thread them onto skewers or have ready a perforated grilling tray. Prepare a charcoal grill for direct heat grilling over medium heat.

In a frying pan, cook the bacon, stirring, until crisp, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.

In a bowl, stir together 1 tbsp of the bacon drippings with the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Place the kale in a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little salt and the lemon juice, and massage gently with your hands. Set aside.

Brush the cooking grate of the grill clean, then oil the grate. Brush the mushroom slices lightly with the herb-oil mixture. Grill the mushrooms, turning frequently, until tender and browned, 6–8 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and brush with a little more of the herb-oil mixture. Chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Taste and season with a little salt.

Add the bacon and mushrooms to the salad. Drizzle with enough of the herb-oil mixture to lightly coat the salad, a tablespoon or so. Toss to combine and serve right away.

bacon recipe source: Kim Laidlaw and Wendy Goodfriend, Bay Area Bites (@bayareabites), KQED, August 23, 2014

3793. LINGUINE with ONION, BACON and PARMESAN

makes 4 servings

1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips

2 onions, sliced thin

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 pound linguine

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Put the pan over moderate heat. Add the onions, the thyme, the red-pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine until just done, about 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the linguine and toss with the bacon, onions, 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, the Parmesan, parsley, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the pasta water. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

bacon recipe source: Food & Wine, August 2014

3781. BEER-STEAMED MUSSELS with BACON

serves 2 to 4

4 strips of bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, minced (about 1/2 cup)

4 medium cloves of garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)

3 sprigs fresh thyme

3/4 cup Belgian-style ale, or witbier

2 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed clean and beards removed

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves

Crusty bread, for serving

Place the bacon in a large stainless steel skillet set over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set bacon aside.

Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots soften and the garlic just begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the thyme to the pan and stir in the beer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. When the beer begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cleaned mussels to the pan in a single layer. Place a lid on the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, check the mussels. Using a pair of tongs, remove any mussels that have opened and transfer to a large bowl. Cover the pan again and simmer for another 5 minutes, transferring any opened mussels to the large bowl.

When all of the mussels are opened and transferred to the bowl, whisk the Dijon mustard into the sauce in the pan. Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper. Keep in mind that the bacon, as well as the liquor given up by the mussels, are both salty, so not much additional salt may be needed.

Pour the finished sauce over the mussels, then sprinkle on the reserved bacon, as well as the chopped parsley. Serve the mussels with crusty bread and cold beer.

bacon recipe source: Marvin Gapultos (Burnt Lumpia), contributing writer, Serious Eats, October 3, 2012