2030. ACORN SQUASH SOUP with BACON and SQUASH SEEDS

2 acorn squash, reserve seeds
olive oil for basting squash
1 small white onion or half of a large onion, diced
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons water to deglaze pan
salt & pepper
Fresh grated nutmeg
4 to 5 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Cut squash in half leaving your fingers intact, scrape out and reserve the seeds in cold salted water. Slice the squash into strips leaving on the skin. Place in a foil lined pan and coat the squash with olive oil. Bake for 50 minutes. Cool until you can handle them without burning your fingers off and remove the skin with your fingers. Meanwhile, drain the water from the seeds and place them on a foil lined baking sheet. Coat them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for a few minutes until toasted and lightly golden brown. In a medium to large pot add the butter and onions. Cook over medium high until the onions look softened a bit. Then turn off the heat. Place the squash, onions, and chicken or vegetable stock in a food processer or blender and process until smooth. Deglaze the pan with 2 Tablespoons of water over medium high heat. Then add the soup and turn the heat to medium. Cover and stir frequently until warmed through. Add salt, pepper, and fresh nutmeg to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cooked chopped bacon and toasted acorn squash seeds.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Laura Flowers, The Cooking Photographer, September 4, 2009 | adapted from Once Upon a Plate, July 19, 2009

2029. KABOCHA SQUASH CHOWDER with BACON and CHOPPED ALMONDS

6 oz. bacon, diced
1 yellow onion, peeled/diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 bunch fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 bunch fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 kabocha squash peeled/seeded/diced
2 quarts chicken stock
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 bunch scallions, sliced thin
1/4 bunch parsley, chopped
Chopped smoked almonds

Render the diced bacon until crispy; drain and reserve. Using a little of the bacon fat, slowly sweat the celery, onion and peppers with 1/4 Tsp. salt. When soft, add the garlic and chopped herbs and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook for another 2 minutes. Add in a third of the stock, bring to a boil stirring constantly, add the remaining stock and the diced squash and bay leaves. Let simmer slowly, until the squash is tender; it will thicken and color the soup as it softens. The squash should be soft but still hold its shape. Season with salt and pepper. Off the heat, add the scallions, the bacon and parsley, garnish with toasted or smoked chopped almonds or walnuts for a nice crunch.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef John Beardsley, Buckeye Roadhouse, 15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, California 94941 | San Francisco Examiner, October 25, 1996

2028. SCALLOPS with COB-SMOKED BACON and SPINACH ORECCHIETTE

yields 6 servings


1/2 pound cob-smoked bacon
1 pound orecchiette pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 shallots, peeled and chopped
1 pound fresh spinach, clean, washed, dried, and stems removed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

In a large saute pan over medium heat, cook bacon until done but not crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon, reserving fat, and drain on a paper towel. Chop when cool. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. When done, drain and put back into empty pot.

Add olive oil to pan and raise heat to medium high. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, then add to pan in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear on one side, then the other, cooking until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Set aside. Repeat with remaining scallops. Add lemon juice to pan, stirring to release the browned bits on the bottom. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat. Add garlic and shallots and saute over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and saute until just wilted.

Remove spinach and toss with pasta. Add bacon and scallops. Sprinkle with more bacon fat to taste. Add red pepper flakes, if desired.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Old Farmer's Almanac, Yankee Publishing, Inc., PO Box 520, Dublin, New Hampshire 03444

2027. BRUSSELS SPROUTS with BACON, CRANBERRIES and PECANS

makes 4 servings


2 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 shallot, diced
1 pound brussels sprouts, cleaned, quartered, blanched and drained
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons pecans, chopped

Cook the bacon in a pan and set aside reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease. Add the shallots to the pan and cook in the bacon grease and saute until, tender about 3-5 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts to the pan, season with salt and pepper, toss in the grease and saute for a minute. Remove from heat and mix in the cranberries and pecans.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Kevin Lynch, Closet Cooking, October 31, 2009

2026. MACKEREL with BACON and CREAMY MUSTARD SAUCE

serves two


For the mackerel and spinach
2 mackerel fillets
salt and pepper
4 slices unsmoked streaky bacon
20 grams sage leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
50 grams butter
400 grams spinach
sea salt

For the sauce
25 grams butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 small glass of white wine
1 teaspoon coarse grain mustard
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
100 ml double cream

Remove the top part of the bone from the mackerel and season inside with salt and pepper. Wrap the mackerel in the bacon and sage leaves, overlapping as you go.

Lay the mackerel in a baking tray with the olive oil and 25g of butter, and roast in the oven at 200°C for 10 -15 minutes until golden.

Meanwhile melt another 25g of butter in a pan over a high heat. Add the spinach and sautée for about 1 minute until wilted and tender. Drain in a colander before serving.

For the sauce melt another 25g of butter in a pan and sweat the shallot until soft. Add the white wine vinegar, bring to the boil, and reduce for a couple of minutes. Add the white wine, bring back to the boil, and reduce again by a third (about 6-7 minutes). Then add the double cream and bring to the boil. Stir in the mustard and season to taste.

Serve the mackerel with the spinach and mustard sauce.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Matt Tebbutt, The Foxhunter, Nantyderry, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 9DN Wales | LifeStyle FOOD

2025. NEW YORK STRIP STEAKS with a SMOKEY BACON PORT SAUCE

yields six servings


6 New York strip steaks
Kosher salt
black pepper
2 pounds smoked bacon, finely diced
1 1/2 liters port wine
1 cup finely diced shallots
6 ounces green peppercorns
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups water
salt

port sauce: Render the bacon in a saucepan over medium-low heat until golden brown. Once bacon has been rendered, strain off the excess fat and put the pan back on the fire. Deglaze the pan with 2/3 of the Port wine and scrape the bottom of the saucepan to get all the bacon off the bottom and sides of the pan. Turn up the heat to medium and the alcohol should ignite. Reduce the wine by 1/4 and skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. Next, add the rest of the wine, the diced shallots, and peppercorns. Reduce by 1/3. In a small bowl, make a slurry with corn starch and water. Whisk the slurry into the pan until the sauce is slightly thick. Adjust seasoning with salt.

Oil and preheat the grill.

Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Place steaks on grill at a 45 degree angle to establish nice grill marks. Cook steaks to desired doneness or until the internal temperature reaches 125 to 130 degrees F for medium-rare, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the Smokey Bacon Port Sauce over the meat. Serve with your favorite side dishes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Saddle Ranch Chop House | "BBQ Trails," BBQ with Bobby Flay, Food Network

2024. RUSTIC MAINE LOBSTER and BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI with TOASTED WALNUTS, SAGE and MAPLE BACON

1 pound of lobster meat, cut into bite sized pieces
1 pound of peeled butternut squash cut into cubes
½ pound of peeled Russet potato cut into cubes
2 leeks cleaned and cut into 1 inch chunks
5 cloves of fresh garlic
2 cups of light cream
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
salt and pepper to season, approximately 1 ½ teaspoons

1 package of prepared fresh pasta sheets, or 6 squares 10 inches by 10 inches
¾ cup of walnut halves, lightly toasted and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 bunch of fresh sage, roughly chopped
6 slices of good quality bacon
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
8 tablespoons of butter
¼ cup of dry vermouth
1 bunch of chives, minced

In a large, shallow pot combine the butternut, potato, leeks, garlic, cream, water, and spices. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes or until the squash and potatoes are tender.

When the mixture is cool enough to handle, ladle the solid part of the mixture in batches into a food processor and blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with the liquid. We want a smooth paste. There might be leftover liquid when you are finished; that’s OK- the liquid content of the squash varies wildly. Make the paste and thin it out as you go with the cooking liquid. Taste for salt and pepper and set aside.

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees.

Drizzle the maple syrup over the bacon and roast the bacon at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and fragrant. Cool, roughly chop and set aside.

Boil a large pot of salted water for your pasta sheets.

Melt 2 tablespoon of butter in a medium sized sauté pan, add the lobster, season with salt and pepper, and as the meat becomes fragrant, add the squash puree. Fold the lobster and puree together until the mixture is incorporated and keep it warm.

Melt the other 6 tablespoons of butter in another medium sized sauté pan. When the butter begins to foam, add the walnuts, the sage and the bacon. Off the heat, add the vermouth. The alcohol should burn off at this point. Toss the mixture together, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.

Cook your pasta sheets, draining each one for excess water. As they are complete, rest each one on a dinner plate. You want to leave some of each sheet resting off the plate; we are going to fold the sheet in half over the filling, creating the ravioli effect.

Carefully spoon 1/6 of the mixture, or approximately 8 ounces, onto each sheet, fold the top over the mixture, and press a small dimple into each ravioli.

Spoon 1/6 of the walnut mixture, or approximately 3 ounces, on top of each one, carefully drizzling some of the pan butter on top of each ravioli

Garnish each one with minced chives.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef William Clifford (Lobster Chef of the Year 2010), Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore Street, Portland, Maine 04101

2023. ROASTED TURKEY BALLOTTINE wrapped in BACON

12-pound fresh turkey, divided; legs reserved for braised recipe (Ask your butcher to remove and bone the breasts, and bone the legs)
2½ ounces diced white bread (about 2 cups)
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup finely chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
¼ teaspoon chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon quatre épices (or substitute pumpkin spice and a bit of black pepper)
1 pound raw pork sausage meat, without casing
Liver and giblets, coarsely chopped
Salt and white pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 pounds thinly sliced bacon
6 tablespoons butter, softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soak the bread in the milk for 15 minutes; strain. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, and celery and sauté, stirring until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with the soaked bread, parsley, rosemary, quatre épices, sausage, liver, giblets, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Knead to combine. On a flat surface, arrange a 2-foot-long double layer of plastic wrap. Place half of pork mixture in a horizontal line, about 12 inches long, in the center of the plastic wrap. Lift the plastic wrap up and over the sausage, then roll while tucking under and twisting at the ends, making a tight log about 1¾ inches in diameter. Repeat with the other half of the sausage stuffing. Place the sausage rolls in the freezer to chill quickly. Meanwhile, if you have a whole turkey, remove the breasts and discard the skin. Butterfly the thicker end of the breasts, folding over toward the thinner end to form a shape as close to a rectangle as possible. Cover one breast with plastic wrap, and, using a meat mallet, pound the meat to about ½ inch thick, 1 foot long, and 8 inches wide; repeat with other breast. Season the surface of the breasts with a sprinkling of salt and white pepper. Remove the plastic wrap from a sausage log, and place the log in the center of the flattened breast. Shape the breast around the sausage. Arrange the bacon in overlapping slices in vertical rows, on a 12-inch board, making a 12-inch-long-by-9-inch-wide rectangle. Place the turkey roulade in the center of the bacon, and wrap up and around to fully encase the breast. Repeat with second breast. Lay a 2-foot-long piece of heavy aluminum foil on a flat surface, and spread half of the butter evenly on top. Place turkey roulade in the center, then roll the foil around the roulade as tightly as possible, twisting at the ends. Tie with butcher’s twine to secure. Repeat with other turkey roulade. Place both logs on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes, turning the logs ¼-turn every 10 minutes. Remove foil, and baste roulades with the pan juices; return to oven and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the bacon has cooked and the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes. Cut the roulade into ½-inch slices. Serve hot.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Daniel Boulud, for New York Magazine, 2009

2022. SAUTEED RADICCHIO, ORANGE, BACON and PECAN SALAD

serves 4 as a first course


1 cup pecans
4 navel oranges
2 heads radicchio (about 3/4 pound)
4 thick bacon slices
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350° F.

In a baking pan toast pecans in one layer in middle of oven until golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes. With a sharp knife cut peel and pith from oranges and cut orange sections free from membranes. Discard outer leaves from radicchio and halve lengthwise. Cut radicchio crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices.

Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and in a 12-inch heavy skillet cook over moderate heat, stirring, until just golden. With a slotted spoon transfer bacon to a large bowl. Pour off fat from skillet and in skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Saut
 radicchio, stirring, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to moderate and stir in vinegar. Cook radicchio, stirring, 1 minute more. Transfer radicchio to bowl and toss with bacon, nuts, and pepper. Season salad with salt.

Serve salad topped with orange sections.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gourmet, June 1998

2021. SPICY BRAISED BACON with SPAGNA BEANS and TREVISO RADICCHIO

serves six


2 cups Spagna beans or cannellini beans
1 head garlic, split, plus 8 cloves garlic, sliced
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
1 russet potato, peeled
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 heads Treviso radicchio, sliced
12 slices spicy braised bacon, plus some of the braising liquid (recipe below)

Cooking the beans is a 2-day process. Soak the beans in enough water to cover them overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, strain and rinse the beans. Place them in a pot large enough to cover with 6 cups of water and add the split head of garlic, the carrot, celery, and potato. The peeled potato will soften the skin on the beans so that they don't burst when they are cooking. Cook over low heat for about 2 hours, until tender. Remove from the heat, then remove the vegetables and discard them. Season the beans with salt and black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

Transfer to the beans to a clean pot and slowly warm them over medium-low heat. Heat the 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add the sliced garlic. Once the garlic becomes aromatic, add the radicchio. Cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.

Divide the beans among 6 warm bowls, then place several slices of the braised bacon in each bowl and spoon some warm braising liquid over the top. Drape the radicchio over the bacon, drizzle olive oil on top, and serve.

NOTES: Spagna beans are Italian beans with long, green, slightly curved broad pods containing 5 to 6 large white beans. They are sometimes called butter beans. The Spagna beans here require two days of preparation, so be sure to plan ahead. You can use cannellini beans if Spagna beans are hard to find.

Treviso is one type of radicchio. It is red in color, with an elongated shape similar to endive, and it has a slightly bitter flavor. You may substitute it with any radicchio available in your market.


Spicy Braised Bacon

makes two pounds

1 meaty boneless pork belly (about 2 lb.), skinned
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon crushed red chili flakes
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
Kosher salt
vegetable oil, for sauteing
1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped
1 fennel head, quartered
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
a few sprigs of rosemary
a few springs of thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups San Marzano (plum) tomatoes
2 cups white wine
2 gallons pork or beef stock

Portion the pork belly into 6 equal-size pieces. In a spice grinder, combine the black pepper, chili flakes, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds and finely grind them. Season the pork belly with salt, then rub with the spice rub. Let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel, carrot, celery, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves and saute for about 20 minutes. Once the vegetables are caramelized, add the tomatoes, cook for 25 minutes, then deglaze with the white wine. Once the liquid is reduced by three-quarters, add the pork or beef stock and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare a grill to cook over direct high heat. Grill the pork belly until it begins to render some of its fat and becomes dark golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, and turn and repeat.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Stir the vegetables well and then strain the braising liquid into a bowl; discard the vegetables. Transfer the pork belly to a nonreactive ovenproof pan and cover it with the reserved braising liquid. Bake until tender, about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

NOTE: Tightly sealed cured bacon keeps in the refrigerator for up to a month.


Spicy Braised Bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef/Owner Chris Cosentino, Boccalone, Boccalone Salumeria, Ferry Building Marketplace, Shop #21, San Francisco, California 94111 | I Love Bacon! by Jayne Rockmill, p. 4. Andrew McMeel Publishing, LLC, 2010

main recipe courtesy of: Chris Cosentino, Incanto, 1550 Church Street, San Francisco, California 94131, 415-641-4500 | I Love Bacon! by Jayne Rockmill, p. 4. Andrew McMeel Publishing, LLC, 2010

2020. GROUSE DUMPLINGS wrapped in BACON with CARROT and PARSNIP PUREE, PARSNIP CRISPS, POTATO and ROSEMARY ROSTI in RED WINE SAUCE

serves two


For the grouse dumplings
large knob of butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
12 rashers rindless streaky bacon, 4 diced, 8 left whole for wrapping
6 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
2 skinless grouse breasts, finely minced
100ml/4fl oz red wine
4 juniper berries, coarsely crushed
2 tbsp green tomato chutney, from a jar
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped needles only
½ chicken stock cube
50g/2oz breadcrumbs
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the potato rösti
4 waxy potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
4 tbsp vegetable oil

For the carrot and parsnip purée
4 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
2 medium parsnips, peeled, chopped
50g/2oz butter

For the parsnip crisps
vegetable oil for deep frying
2 medium parsnips, peeled and very thinly sliced

For the sauce
50g/2oz butter
2 shallots, chopped
2 tbsp apple and rosemary jelly
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
200ml/7fl oz red wine
1 sprig fresh rosemary
200ml/7fl oz grouse or chicken stock

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

For the grouse dumplings, melt the butter with one tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat then add the shallots and fry gently for five minutes until softened and translucent, but not browned.

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the diced bacon, mushrooms and grouse and fry for 3-4 minutes until the bacon and mushrooms are golden-brown in places. Stir in the red wine, juniper berries, chutney and rosemary and boil for 2-3 minutes until the red wine has reduced to about one tablespoon.

Crumble in the stock cube, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and scatter over the breadcrumbs. Stir everything together to form a stuffing-like mixture then remove from the heat and leave to cool for a few minutes.

Overlap two rashers of bacon on a board then shape a quarter of the grouse mixture into a rough ball and place at one end of the bacon. Roll up into a dumpling shape, so that it's wrapped in the bacon. Repeat with the remaining bacon and grouse mixture.

Heat the remaining oil in an ovenproof frying pan over a medium-high heat and sear the dumplings for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Transfer to the oven for 10 minutes or until heated through and the bacon is crisp.

For the rösti, wrap the grated potatoes in a clean tea towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture from the potatoes as possible. Tip into a large bowl, mix in the rosemary and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add spoonfuls of potato to the pan, pressing down with a spatula to form flat cakes. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden-brown then transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining potato then transfer to the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.

For the carrot and parsnip purée, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the carrots and parsnips and boil for 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain and return to the pan with the butter. Blend to a smooth purée using a stick blender, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and keep warm.

For the parsnip crisps, half-fill a deep, heavy-based pan with the vegetable oil and heat until a cube of bread dropped in sizzles and turns golden-brown in 30 seconds (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended). Fry the parsnip slices in small batches, for 1-2 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

For the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat and gently fry the shallots for five minutes until softened and translucent but not browned. Stir in the jelly until dissolved then pour in the balsamic vinegar and boil for 1-2 minutes until reduced slightly.

Pour in the red wine, add the rosemary, boil for three minutes then pour in the stock and boil for 15 minutes or until reduced to the consistency of double cream. Discard the sprig of rosemary and keep the sauce warm.

To serve, arrange the grouse dumplings on top of the rösti and spoon over the sauce. Places spoonfuls of the purée alongside and garnish with the parsnip crisps.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Errington Family, The Hairy Bikers' Cook Off, BBC-Food

2019. DANDELION, BACON and EGG SALAD

yields four servings


4 slices good-quality bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large eggs
1 bunch dandelion greens or frisée
chives, snipped, optional

In a medium skillet over low heat, cook bacon until brown and barely crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel, reserving fat.

Combine the shallot, vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of fat in bowl. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return skillet to stove over low heat. Break eggs into skillet and fry sunny side up or over easy, until whites are set but yolks are still runny.

Toss greens with dressing and arrange on four plates. Sprinkle bacon evenly over greens. Add one egg to each plate and, if desired, sprinkle with chives. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The New York Times, September 20, 2006

2018. FRIED GRIT CAKES and SHRIMP with BACON BUTTER SAUCE

6 cups cooked grits, well seasoned
25 shrimp, peeled
½ pound butter
1 cup green onions
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ pounds bacon
6 tablespoons blackening seasoning
3 eggs
1 quart buttermilk

Place cooked grits on a cookie sheet and let cool. To make egg wash: Put eggs into a mixing bowl add butter milk and whip until smooth. Cook bacon crispy drain and chop. Melt butter and add garlic, cooked bacon, chopped green onions, and cook till tender, then place sauce on the side. In another skillet place ½ cup of oil and turn heat to medium. Cut grits into triangles and roll those in a butter milk egg wash, then dredge then threw flour. Place grit cakes in oil and fry for about 4 minutes per side, after cooking place them on a paper towel to drain. Then put the shrimp into a clean skillet with a small amount of oil and blacken your shrimp. Now place grit cakes on a plate and 6 shrimp and pour some of your bacon butter sauce over top and enjoy.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chris Raley, Banana Docks Café / Bon Appetit Catering, 36 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, Alabama 36608 | WKRG.com, WKRG-TV, 555 Broadcast Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36606, July 10, 2008

2017. BLUEFISH fried in BACON with BLUE GRITS

serves two


For grits:
4 cups cold water
1 cup blue grits
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt

For fish:
4 ounces sliced bacon (about 2 to 3 slices)
2 (½ pound) fillets fresh bluefish
Coarse sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Heat the water in a heavy four-quart stockpot. Start mixing in the grits while the water warms up, stirring regularly—I find it infinitely easier to get lump-free grits this way. Add salt and stir well.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat as low as possible. Stir a few more times, cover and cook on low for as long as you can—a good 2 to 4 hours—the long, slow cooking releases the starches and makes the grits really creamy. Once you get them cooking there’s really nothing to do but stir every 15 minutes or so.

When the grits are good and creamy and you’re ready to eat, you can start the fish. Add the fish to the still-hot bacon fat in the skillet, skin side down (I think the skin is the best part!). Cook the fish until the skin is browned, then flip and cook quickly on the other side. If you need more fat, add a glug from your reserves or use a bit of olive oil.

While the fish is cooking, chop the bacon coarsely and set aside. When the fish is almost done, set the grits into a couple of warm bowls. Place the fish on top, skin side down. Sprinkle the fat over the whole thing and top with salt, pepper and chopped bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Zingerman’s Guide to Better Bacon, Zingerman's, 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

2016. SEARED SEA BASS with ROASTED DATE, BACON, ALMOND and SHERRY BROTH

For the sauce:
12 pitted medjool dates, cut in half lengthwise
1 tsp canola oil
3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1/2 sweet onion, finely diced
1/3 cup slivered almonds, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tbsp sherry (optional)
1 cup chicken or fish stock
kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

For the fish:
4 (4 to 6 oz) filets of sea bass or halibut
2 tbsp canola oil
kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

For serving:
1 crusty sourdough baguette, heated in the oven and sliced

To make the sauce: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place dates onto a baking dish or sheet pan and drizzle with 1 tsp canola oil. Toss to coat. Set aside.

Add diced bacon to a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Cook bacon until most of the fat has rendered out, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

After the bacon has cooked for about 5 minutes, place the prepared dates into the 350 degree oven. Roast dates for 7 minutes, then turn off oven. Leave dates in oven until ready to add to the sauce.

Once most of the fat has rendered out of the bacon, add the diced onion, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to the saute pan. Saute onion and bacon for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to turn translucent. Add the almonds to the pan and stir. Saute the almond-bacon mixture for another 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the almonds turn golden. Add the garlic to the pan and saute for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.

Deglaze the pan with the sherry and sherry vinegar, stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the stock to the pan, stir, raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove dates from oven and add to simmering sauce. Stir. Remove sauce from heat. Add parsley to the sauce and stir to incorporate. Taste sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

To sear the fish: As soon as the dates go into the oven, place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Preheat pan for 3 minutes. While pan is preheating, season all sides of fish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add canola oil to the preheated pan, turning the pan to coat the bottom with oil. Once the oil ripples with heat, add the seasoned fish fillets to the pan, serving side-down. (Note: The first side of any meat that touches the pan will get the best sear so always place the prettier side of the meat/fish directly onto the heat first.) Sear fish for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden crust has formed on the bottom of the fish and the flesh releases itself from the pan. If the fish sticks to the pan at all and resists flipping, the fish is not ready yet. Flip and saute fish for another approximately 4 minutes or until just cooked through and opaque in the middle.

To serve: Remove fish from heat. Place 1 fillet in the middle of a large plate or bowl. Top fish with 1/4 of the sauce and serve with a couple large slices of seedy sourdough bread. Repeat plating 3 more times for a total of 4 servings.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Amanda Simpson, What We're Eating: A Food & Recipe Blog, San Diego, California

2015. BACON-WRAPPED BONELESS QUAIL filled with BLACK TRUMPET MUSHROOMS

serves six


Filling
1 pound boned chicken breast, all skin and sinews removed
1 egg white
2 tablespoons brandy
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
freshly grated nutmeg
6 ounces foie gras, cut in 3/4 inch dice
1 pound black trumpet mushrooms
1/2 pound spinach, blanched, chopped, and squeezed as dry as possible
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
6 boneless quail, available from specialty butchers, wings removed
6 slices bacon
2 1/2 cups rich meat stock

Make the filling: Put the chicken, the egg white, and the brandy in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. With the processor running, add the cream in a thin stream, then the salt and pepper and a few gratings of nutmeg, and process until all is well combined. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and, using a rubber spatula, gently mix in the remaining filling ingredients, reserving half the braised mushrooms for the sauce.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Using a pastry bag with a 3/4 to 1-inch opening, squeeze the filling mixture into the cavities of the quail, restoring their whole, plump shape. Lay the quail on their backs and cross their legs to close in the stuffing. Starting at the head end, wrap a piece of bacon around the sides of the quail and back to the head end to cover both openings. The quail will look as if they are lying in a bed of bacon. Tie the bacon in place with string, wrap a little piece of foil around the quails' legs to keep them from burning, and place the quail on a rack in a roasting pan, alternating filling-side up and filling-side down.

Roast the quail for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven, remove the quail to a platter, and let them rest in the turned-off oven while you make the sauce. Pour off the fat from the roasting pan, leaving any pan juice behind. Add the reserved braised mushrooms and the meat stock to the pan, stir well, and transfer to a saucepan. Reduce to 1 1/2 cups.

Using a very sharp slicing knife, carefully cut each quail in half lengthwise down the center and arrange the halves on the platter. Spoon half the sauce on and around the quail and serve the rest in a sauceboat.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Hudson River Valley Cookbook: A Leading American Chef Savors the Region's Bounty by Waldy Malouf. Harvard Common Press, 1998

2014. BACON and OATMEAL LAVER BREAD

serves 4-6


1 lb. laverbread
4 oz. fine oatmeal
6 rashers bacon
salt
pepper
lemon juice

Mix laver in a bowl with salt and pepper and lemon juice to taste (about 2 teaspoons as a rough guide). Flour your hands. Shape the laver into individual cakes about 10cm diameter and coat in medium oatmeal. Meanwhile, cook some streaky bacon until crispy. Keep warm. Fry the laver cakes in the bacon fat for 6-8 minutes. Serve with the cooked bacon and some bread.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gillian Fielder, BBC Devon online

2013. HONEY-MUSTARD PORK ROAST with BACON over ARUGULA SALAD

yields six servings


Pork:
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (recommended: Maille)
2 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 (3 1/2-pound) center-cut, boneless, pork loin roast
12 slices bacon (about 1 pound)

Salad:
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 cups (5 ounces) baby arugula

Special equipment: kitchen twine

For the pork: Put an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, add the Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, garlic, and rosemary and mix together until smooth. Arrange the pork in a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and spread the mustard mixture evenly over the pork. Starting on 1 side, lay a piece of bacon, lengthwise, on the pork. Lay another slice of bacon on the pork making sure to slightly overlap the first piece. Continue with the remaining bacon, until the pork is fully covered in bacon. Using 3 pieces of kitchen twine, secure the bacon in place. Roast for 1 hour. Cover the pan, loosely, with foil and roast for another 10 to 20 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 160 degrees F. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the roast to a cutting board. Cover the pan with foil and allow the pork to rest for 20 minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice the pork into 1/2-inch thick slices.

For the salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Put the arugula on a large platter and drizzle with the dressing. Arrange the pork slices on top and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Giada De Laurentiis, "Thanksgiving," Giada at Home, Food Network

2012. BEEF LIVER with BACON, ONIONS and GARLIC

1 pound pastured beef liver, cut into 1/4 inch thick strips
1 lemon, juiced or 1-2 tablespoons vinegar
2 medium onions, halved and sliced thinly
4-6 oz pastured bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
8 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup lard, tallow, or coconut oil

Place the liver strips into a bowl and barely cover with water. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir. Soak in the refrigerator for several hours. Just before cooking drain, pat dry and set aside. Fry bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat until fat is rendered and it begins to crisp up. Remove bacon from pan, leaving drippings, and set aside. Saute sliced onions in bacon grease until softened. Remove and set aside. At this point add enough fat to the pan to create about 1/3 cup total (including bacon grease). Add liver strips to the pan and allow to cook, undisturbed, over medium heat for about two minutes. Stir in minced garlic and pre-cooked onions and bacon. Cook for an additional two minutes or until nearly done. Be very careful not to overcook. Serve alongside a green salad and a vegetable or potatoes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Shannon, Nourishing Days: real food | natural homemaking | sustainability, June 8, 2010

2011. CREOLE BACON POACHED WINGS

6 whole fresh chicken wings, divided into wings and drummettes, tips discarded
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon creole seasoning
2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3 strips thick sliced bacon, halved to create 6 pieces

Mix the brown sugar and spices together. Rub onto the chicken pieces. Place the rubbed chicken into the bottom of a small oven safe dutch oven or baking dish. Pack them into the bottom of the pan tightly in a single layer. Place the halved bacon slices over the wings to cover completely. Place in a 165° F oven for 6 hours undisturbed. Remove the poached chicken from the baking pan then place on a rack to cool and drain completely. Discard the poaching fat and retain the bacon pieces. Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium low. Cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium low heat. Brown the wings by cooking a few at a time, turning frequently, for 3-5 minutes until crispy.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Brad, eatnlisten.com, March 13, 2010

2010. VEAL with BACON, FIDDLEHEAD and SHIITAKE SAUCE

serves four


4 slices bacon
4 small veal cutlets
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sherry
8 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
1 cup fiddleheads, trimmed and cleaned

Cut bacon across into small pieces. Cook in a skillet until brown. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season the veal cutlets with salt and pepper. Dust with flour. Sauté veal in skillet with bacon fat until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove veal from pan. Cover and keep warm. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Add the sherry and deglaze the pan. Add the shiitakes, fiddleheads and reserved bacon, and cook for 5 minutes. Divide the veal among 4 plates. Spoon the sauce over and serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef de Cuisine.com

2009. BUTTERNUT, BACON and SPINACH PASTA

serves 4-6


500 grams fresh or dry pasta of choice
15 ml olive oil
500 grams butternut, cut into bite-size pieces and roasted
30 ml salted butter
1 onion, chopped
10 ml crushed garlic
250 grams bacon, chopped
500 ml ready-made Napoletana sauce
200 grams spinach, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook the pasta until tender, drain and toss with olive oil. Heat the butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent. Add the bacon and fry until bacon is golden. Add the roasted butternut and fry for 2 minutes. Add the Napoletana sauce and simmer for 3 minutes or until heated through. Stir in the spinach and season to taste. Remove from heat and allow to stand for 2 minutes or until spinach just starts to wilt. Add the pasta and toss through to cover. Serve pasta warm topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh basil leaves.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Clover SA, PO Box 6161, Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort, South Africa 1715

2008. PAN-SEARED COD with BACON and CREAMY FENNEL RAGOUT

makes 4 servings


4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 fennel bulbs (sometimes called anise; 2 pounds), stalks discarded and bulbs cut lengthwise into 1-inch wedges
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (14 fluid ounces)
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped drained sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 (7-ounce) pieces cod, scrod, or halibut fillet (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish: fennel fronds

Cook bacon in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil to fat in skillet, then cook fennel with salt and pepper over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add broth, cream, tomatoes, and garlic to fennel and cook, partially covered, over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until fennel is tender and cream is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

While fennel cooks, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Season fillets with salt and pepper, then sauté 4 minutes. Turn over and sauté until just cooked through, about 3 minutes more.

Stir mustard and bacon into fennel ragout and season with salt and pepper. Serve cod over fennel ragout.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gourmet, December 2003

2007. PAN-ROASTED CORN and BACON RAGOUT with FARM FRESH EGGS

yields four servings


1 cup bacon, diced
1 large red onion, chopped
3 ears corn, kernels and milk scraped from cobs (about 3 cups)
5 cloves garlic, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 organic eggs
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped scallions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large Dutch oven or large cast iron pan over medium-high heat, saute the bacon until very crispy and all of the fat is rendered, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onion and saute, for about 3 minutes. Add the corn, garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes. Crack the eggs into the pan and place into preheated oven for about 3 to 5 minutes until the eggs are set.

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with parsley and scallions.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Emeril Lagasse, "Emeril's Farmers Market," Emeril Live, 2007

2006. BACON-WRAPPED STUFFED TURKEY BALLOTINE with GARLIC and SAFFRON MASHED POTATOES, CRAB APPLE JELLY GRAVY and ROASTED GREEN BEANS

serves 4-6


For the turkey ballotine
3lb 4 oz. large turkey breast crown (bones removed, skin left on)
12 rashers streaky bacon, skin removed and stretched thin with the edge of a knife
14 oz. minced veal shoulder
1 chicken liver, chopped
1½ oz. unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cornflour
5fl oz. milk
2 free-range egg whites, beaten
1½ oz. pistachio nuts, shells removed, halved
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 small green pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
pinch freshly ground nutmeg
3 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the creamed garlic and saffron mashed potatoes
2lb 4 oz. floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled and quartered
3fl oz. single cream
1 pinch saffron strands, crushed
2 oz. unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the crab apple jelly gravy
reserved juices from the turkey ballotine (see above)
1 tablespoon ready-made crab apple jelly
1 oz. butter

For the roasted green beans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, zest only
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 lb 2oz fine green beans, topped and tailed

For the turkey ballotine: Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2. Lay the bacon out in strips on a sheet of cling film, with the edges overlapping slightly so there are no gaps between each rasher. Slice the turkey breast crown in half horizontally (but do not slice it all the way through) and open it out like a book. Lay the turkey meat over the bacon layer, cover the top with cling film and beat with a rolling pin or meat mallet until thin. Set aside. Place the minced veal shoulder in a food processor, add the chopped chicken liver and blend until very smooth. Scrape into a bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the cornflour until well combined and there are no lumps. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook over a medium-low heat for a few minutes, or until thickened to form a roux. Set aside to cool for five minutes. Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the minced veal and chicken livers and mix well to combine. Fold in the beaten egg whites, halved pistachio nuts, sea salt, ground white pepper, chopped green pepper, nutmeg and sage leaves. Mix well to combine. Peel away the cling film from the top of the turkey and spread the mixture in a thick line along the length of the turkey at one end. Using the cling film as a guide, fold the bacon and turkey over the stuffing and roll up tightly. Remove the cling film and then wrap the turkey roll tightly in two layers of aluminium foil. Drizzle the olive oil over the base of a roasting tin, add the wrapped turkey ballotine, cover the tin with foil and roast in the oven for 1½-2 hours.

For the creamed garlic and saffron mashed potatoes: Place the potatoes into a pan of lightly salted water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Heat the cream and saffron into a small pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat immediately and set aside to infuse. Melt the butter in a pan and add the crushed garlic. Gently fry over a low heat for 3-4 minutes (do not allow the garlic to brown). Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan over a high heat to drive off any excess moisture. Mash with a potato masher, then mix in the saffron-infused cream and garlic butter. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

When the turkey is cooked, remove the foil and pour off the juices from the roasting tin into a small pan. Preheat the grill to high. Place the ballotine under the grill for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly, until the ballotine is golden-brown all over. Set aside to rest in a warm place.

For the crab apple jelly gravy: Reduce the juices from the turkey ballotine over a high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until reduced and thickened. Stir in the crab apple jelly and butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Keep warm.

For the roasted beans: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the lemon zest. Allow to sizzle for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Stir in the herbs and allow to infuse for 30 minutes. Place the green beans into a roasting tray and drizzle over the lemon-infused oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss well to coat the green beans evenly in the oil. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are tender and starting to turn golden-brown.

To serve: Reheat the turkey ballotine in the oven briefly if needed, then carve into thick slices. Spoon the mashed potato onto the centre of the serving plates, then top with a slice or two of the turkey ballotine. Scatter the roasted green beans around the edges of the plate, then spoon the gravy over and around.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Hairy Bikers, The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour of Britain, BBC-Food

2005. OVEN-BAKED FRITTATA with BACON LARDON, SPINACH and FONTINA CHEESE

yields six servings


1/2 bunch spinach
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
pinch red pepper flakes
squeeze lemon juice
7 eggs, beaten & seasoned with salt & black pepper
3/4 lb. slab bacon, cut into 1" cubes and rendered over low heat for 20 minutes until deeply golden brown
1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a frying pan, sauté spinach in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Sauté until spinach is wilted (about two minutes). Set aside.

In a 10" cast iron skillet, heat remaining two tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Pour in beaten eggs and allow to sizzle for a moment. Reduce flame to low and strew in pieces of spinach and cubed bacon pieces. Allow to cook slowly for an additional five minutes, then cover entirely with shredded cheese.

Place skillet in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Serve from the skillet.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Marc Meyer, Five Points, Cookshop and Hundred Acres, 31 Great Jones Street, New York, New York, 10012

2004. MOFONGO (PUERTO RICAN PLANTAIN BALLS with CHICHARRON and BACON)

makes 4 servings


4 green plantains
2 cups canola or olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
6 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound crisp fried pork rinds, also known as chicharrón
1 slice of bacon, cooked
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock

Peel plantains and cut into one-inch slices.

In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat oil to 350 degrees. Add plantain slices in two batches and fry for 7 minutes, turning once, until light golden but not browned. Drain on paper towels.

In a large mortar or big bowl, crush garlic cloves with pestle or the back of a spoon and sprinkle with salt. Add olive oil to the mixture and keep pounding until it's well incorporated. Transfer to a small bowl.

In the same mortar or bowl, crush half of the fried plantain slices with half of the pork rinds, 1/2 slice of cooked bacon, and half the garlic aioli and pound or smash together. Add up to 1/2 cup chicken stock as needed, to make it moist.

Spoon the mixture and shape into two-inch balls. Repeat with remaining ingredients and keep in warm oven until ready to serve. Top with more crushed chicharrón, or cilantro if you wish.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Sergio Remolina, The Culinary Institute of America | Epicurious.com, October 2010

2003. PORTUGUESE CHICKEN GIZZARD STEW with BACON

serves 4-6


1 pound chicken gizzard
4 slices bacon
1 small onion, minced
4 stalks celery, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeded and minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons crushed red chili pepper (preferably piri-piri)
1-1/2 cup tomatoes, canned or fresh, chopped finely
1 quart chicken broth
12 ounces beer (nothing too dark)
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4-6 dry bay leaves
parsley sprigs for garnish

Chop each chicken gizzard into 4 pieces. Set aside.

In a large Dutch oven of at least 3 quarts, fry the bacon slices over medium heat until the fat has rendered out. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

In the bacon fat, saute the onion for about 8 minutes until onions start to turn golden brown. Raise heat to medium high and add celery, carrots, pepper and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes more then add oregano, thyme and red chili flakes.

Stir in tomatoes and let them brown slightly on the bottom by letting them sit for about a minute, then scrape the bottom and let them sit again. Do this about 3 or 4 times.

Stir in chicken broth, beer, wine, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Add gizzards. Let the mixture come up just to a boil. Try not to let it come up to a rolling boil or else your gizzards will toughen up. Immediately reduce heat to low and cover.

Let simmer for 2-1/2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Check in periodically to make sure that all the gizzards are submerged and that the mixture is not boiling.

When the meat is very tender, serve the stew in individual bowls topped with crumbled bacon and parsley.


bacon recipes courtesy of: "Vrunka," Portland, Oregon | food52, editors@food52.com

2002. BACON, KALE and SWEET POTATO BREAKFAST BURRITOS

makes 5-6 burritos


3 slices of uncooked bacon, chopped
2 1/2 cups sweet potato cubes (1/2 in – 3/4 in)
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped fresh kale
4 eggs
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup purchased salsa or pico de gallo
1/2 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper
5-6 soft taco size or 2-3 burrito size tortillas
sour cream and diced avocado (optional)

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy and most of the fat has rendered off into the pan. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Drain all but 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon fat. (Or leave it all if you want to.) Return pan to medium heat and add the sweet potato, bell pepper, and onion. Add a couple pinches of salt and pepper over top and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Stir in the kale. Continue to cook until vegetables are tender (especially the potatoes), another 8-10 minutes or so.

Shove all ingredients to one side of the pan and add the eggs to the other side. Cook eggs until they’re no longer liquid, but still not cooked through. Stir eggs into the vegetable mixture. Return bacon bits to the pan and add cilantro and salsa. Stir and cook until everything is heated through and the eggs are cooked thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle cheese over top and add diced avocado, if desired.

Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling into each tortilla and top with a little sour cream before rolling them up.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Natalie, Perry's Plate, California, March 10, 2010

2001. RED-LENTIL SOUP with SAGE and BACON

5 slices (4 ounces) bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
6 fresh sage leaves, minced, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 cups red lentils
1 teaspoon ground cumin
5 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a piece of paper towel, and set aside. Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon drippings from pan.

Add the garlic, onion, and carrots to saucepan. Cook vegetable mixture over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced sage, and cook 1 minute more.

Add the lentils, cumin, and chicken stock; stir to combine. Simmer until lentils are cooked and falling apart, 20 to 25 minutes.

To serve, divide the hot soup among four soup plates, and garnish with the reserved bacon and additional sage.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart Living

2000. PANCAKES with BACON and CARAMELIZED BANANA

serves four


1 cup self-raising flour
1 cup milk
1 egg beaten or two egg whites
1 tablespoon butter
250 grams bacon
4 bananas
2 tablespoons brown sugar
maple syrup

Separate egg/s (see note). Mix in wet ingredients (except egg whites). Add sifted flour gradually to wet mix, constantly stirring to reduce any lumps. Let batter sit for 5 minutes. Fold in egg whites gently until mixed and cook each pancake in a little butter until bubbles appear or underside is golden brown and then turn. Meanwhile cook bacon; drain on paper towel. Add some butter to pan, slice bananas length ways and sprinkle with brown sugar and caramalize. Serve with maple syrup.

Note: Using only egg whites make a fluffier pancake; you can either use one egg, separate and mix yolk with other wet ingredients and fold egg white at end or discard the yolks and use two egg whites.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Dave Patterson, Davebydave's Blog | food, gardening, healthy choices, free-range, Brisbane, Australia

1999. BLACK-EYED PEAS with BACON, OKRA and CORN

yields four servings


4 strips bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fresh okra, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch (.5 cm) rounds
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 or 2 fresh chili peppers, chopped (optional)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
6 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon pieces from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat behind. Reserve the bacon bits in a bowl.

Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook over medium heat until softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add okra, corn and chilies and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until okra is tender but still a bit crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Add black-eyed peas, tomatoes, green onions and reserved bacon and cook for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Stella Zedman, Kaboose.com

1998. SPIRAL PASTA with MUSHROOMS, BACON and SWEET CORN

2 cups spiral pasta
1 small can mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
100 grams bacon slices
100 grams sweet corn
200 ml Béchamel Sauce
100 ml milk cream
150 grams cheese

Cook pasta in salted water (+/- 10 minutes) and reserve. Fry chopped onion, bacon slices and mushrooms in olive oil. Mix pasta with mushrooms & bacon. Put the mixture in a large oven tray. Add sweet corn, cheese, Béchamel sauce, milk cream and sprinkle with dry oregano leafs (optional). Take it to hot oven (220ºC) for 20 minutes, until the cheese melts well, and it's ready to serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Portuguese Menu, June 20, 2010

1997. CHEESY SPINACH BACON RANGOON

yields 32 servings


4 strips of bacon, reserve 1 tablespoon drippings
1/2 cup mushrooms
1 teaspoon onion, diced fine
1/2 teaspoon garlic, fresh, minced fine
1/4 cup chopped spinach, very well drained
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 package wonton wrappers
1 small bowl of water
1/2 saucepan filled with vegetable oil

In a skillet cook bacon until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings. When bacon is cooled, chop into small pieces. Dice up mushrooms and saute in the bacon drippings with onion and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. In large mixing bowl, mix cooled mushroom mixture, bacon, spinach and softened cream cheese until well combined. Lay out the wonton wrappers on a cutting board or flat surface, floured side up. With a small bowl of water, dampen the sides of the wonton wrappers to help "glue" the seams together. Place a small teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Pull up the two opposite corners to the center and press together. Then the same with the other two corners to all meet in the middle. Press the sides together to completely seal the "package". Cook in large saucepan filled 1/2 way with vegetable oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels for a few minutes. Enjoy! They are delicious!


bacon recipe courtesy of: Ginger Rodriguez, Real Women of Philadelphia

1996. BEET GREEN and BACON SALAD

serves four


1 pound beet greens
1 strip of thick cut bacon, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup of water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/6 cup of cider vinegar

Wash the greens in a sink filled with cold water. Drain greens and wash a second time. Drain greens and remove any heavy stems. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a 3 qt saucepan, cook bacon until lightly browned. Add onions, cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and start to brown. Stir in garlic. Add water to the hot pan, stirring to loosen any particles from bottom of pan. Stir in sugar and red pepper. Continue cooking until mixture boils. Add greens, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Continue cooking additional 20 to 25 minutes or until desired tenderness.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Green Seed Co-op, Saginaw, Michigan

1995. RAMPS, SMOKED BACON and BRANCH LETTUCE SALAD

makes four portions


2 ounces of bacon, cut into lardons (fat, short “sticks” about 1/4″ x 1/4″ x 1″)
a healthy bunch of ramps, properly harvested*, cleaned, cut into 1″ lengths
salt, pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4 hands-full fresh branch lettuce

In a heavy iron skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it renders it’s fat and becomes crispy. Toss in the ramps and cook for 1 minute, season with salt, pepper and the brown sugar. Cook another minute. Add the vinegar, turn off the heat. Place the branch lettuce in a mixing bowl, toss with the ramp & bacon dressing. Serve with some corn pone or corn bread sticks.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Mark Rosenstein, "Ramp Season & Wild Things," The French Broad: Lessons from an Appalachian Table, North Carolina

1994. BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN BREAST with PROVOLONE CHEESE STUFFING

makes 4 servings


4 (around 3 to 4 oz each) boneless chicken breast
8 strips bacon
4 slices provolone cheese, or 1/2 cup shredded
1/4 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Split the chicken breast horizontally to fillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Layer provolone on one side of the breast and fold over the other side to enclose. Wrap each roll with two slices of bacon. Combine red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Sprinkle on top of chicken. Place in an oven-proof dish and bake uncovered at a 350 F until bacon turns slightly pink, around 10 to 15 minutes. Increase heat to 400 F and continue to bake until bacon crisped and juices run clear when chicken is pierced, around 20-25 minutes. Slice and serve hot.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Lalaine, The Cookmobile, February 25, 2008

1993. CARROT, BACON and MISO SOUP

makes 4 servings


2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (may substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2/3 cup total)
2 slices uncooked bacon, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped celery (from about 1/2 rib)
1 teaspoon medium-strength miso or equal parts red and white miso
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the carrots are very tender.

Remove from the heat. Use a potato masher to mash the carrots in the saucepan; or use a slotted spoon to transfer the carrots to a plate and mash them thoroughly, then return them to the saucepan.

Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until it is crisp. Remove from the heat and add the chopped celery, then add both (with as little fat as possible) to the carrot soup.

Bring the soup back to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from the heat, stir in the miso and season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among individual bowls, sprinkle with the cilantro and serve hot.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Harumi's Japanese Home Cooking: Simple, Elegant Recipes for Contemporary Tastes by Harumi Kurihara. HP Trade, 2007 | The Washington Post, January 30, 2008

1992. PISTACHIO-CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB with BACON

yields four servings


1/3 cup unsalted pistachios
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
one 1 1/2 pound rack of lamb, frenched (8 chops)
6 ounces thinly sliced bacon
8 scallions, white and tender green parts only

Preheat the oven to 400°. In the bowl of a mini processor, finely chop the pistachios with the thyme and rosemary. Add half of the olive oil and process to a paste; season with salt and pepper. Scrape half of the pistachio paste into a small bowl and stir in the remaining olive oil.

Coat the lamb with half of the remaining pistachio paste. Wrap the bacon slices around the lamb, between the bones, leaving the bones exposed. Spread the remaining pistachio paste over the bacon and set the rack in a small roasting pan. Roast the rack for about 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the meat registers 130° for medium-rare. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Reserve the pan drippings.

Meanwhile, spoon 1 teaspoon of the rendered bacon fat from the roasting pan into a medium skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the scallions and cook over high heat until softened and browned in spots, about 4 minutes. Carve the lamb rack into four 2-chop servings and transfer them to plates along with the scallions. Drizzle the pistachio pesto all around and serve right away


bacon recipe courtesy of: Ferran Adria, Food & Wine

1991. CHICKEN LIVER PATE with WALNUTS, BACON and ARMAGNAC

1 cup walnuts
1/3 lb bacon, diced
2 medium or 1 large onion, diced
2 apples, peeled and diced
salt and pepper
1 1/2 lbs chicken livers
1/4 cup Armagnac
3 tablespoons butter, softened

In a large dry pan, toast the walnuts over medium-high heat about 3 minutes, until they are fragrant. Do not walk away, or the nuts are sure to burn and you'll have to start again. Pour the toasted nuts into the bowl of your food processor and set aside - don't grind them now or you'll end up with walnut butter.

In the same pan, cook the diced bacon until the fat begins to render, three or four minutes. Add the onions and apples, sprinkle with salt, and cook a few minutes more. Add the chicken livers and cook, stirring occasionally, until the livers are cooked through. Turn off the heat and pour the Armagnac into the pan, using it to scrape up some of the brown bits from the bottom. Don't let the Armagnac boil off - you'll want some of that liquid when you puree the pate.

Pour the contents of the frying pan into the food processor with the walnuts, add a pinch more salt and a good deal of pepper, and process until smooth. Let sit until mostly cool, then add the butter in small pieces and process again until smooth. Pour into a serving bowl or crock, cover tightly, and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Erika Kerekes, LA Cooking Examiner, October 5, 2009

1990. SWEET POTATO SOUP with MAPLE and BACON

serves 4 to 6


3 strips bacon
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onion
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large leek, sliced (white & pale green parts only)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 pounds red-skinned potatoes (yams), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 cups chicken broth
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups half and half, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons maple syrup

In a large saucepan set over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain. When cool, crumble the bacon and set aside.

Add butter to the bacon drippings in the saucepan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Add onion and apple, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add celery and leek and 1 large leek. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add sweet potatoes and add to the onion mixture, along with chicken broth, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender, 20-25 minutes.

Remove and discard cinnamon stick. Working in batches, purée the sweet potato mixture in a blender until smooth.

Return the soup to the saucepan. Add 1 1/2 cups half and half and maple syrup and heat, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowl and garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon of half and half, and crumbled bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Dara Michalski, Cookin' Canuck: easy, innovative recipes, November 22, 2009

1989. BAKED PASTA with ROASTED PUMPKIN and BACON

serves 4-5


1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled pumpkin or butternut squash
cooking spray
6 slices favorite bacon
2 shallots, (about 1 cup) thinly sliced
1 lb favorite cut pasta
1/4 cup flour
2 cups reduced-fat milk
3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded provolone cheese
1/3 cup (1 1/2 oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425°. Place squash on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, rosemary and pepper. Toss to coat and bake at 425° for 45 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. When done, turn oven to 450°.

Cook pasta according to the package directions (omitting salt and fat, if you wish). Drain well and set aside.

Cook bacon by your preferred method until crisp. Reserve 1 1/2 teaspoons drippings, and crumble bacon before setting aside. Add reserved bacon fat to pan (or, if you’ve cooked the bacon in a pan, leave 1 1/2 tsp of fat and drain the rest) and place over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté 8 minutes or until tender. Combine squash, crumbled bacon and sauteed shallots; set aside.

Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add provolone, stirring until cheese melts. Add pasta to cheese mixture, tossing well to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray; top with squash mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Family Kitchen, October 15, 2010 | Cooking Light, March 2004

1988. CREAMED CORN GRATIN with FRIED ONION RINGS and BACON

makes 12 servings


1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread
6 bacon slices, chopped
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 large red onion, thinly sliced into rounds
1/2 cup (or more) vegetable oil
10 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 large onion, chopped
8 cups frozen corn kernels (about 2 pounds 6 ounces)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons quick-cooking grits
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (packed) coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread breadcrumbs on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes.

Sauté bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels. Transfer 2 tablespoons bacon drippings to heavy large pot; reserve for creamed corn. Discard remaining drippings.

Place flour in medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Separate red onion slices into rings and toss in flour to coat lightly. Heat 1/2 cup oil in same large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add onion rings to skillet and cook until golden brown, adding more oil as needed, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer onion rings to paper towels. Mix breadcrumbs, bacon, onion rings, and half of green onions in clean medium bowl. Sprinkle topping with salt and pepper.

Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Add butter to pot with reserved bacon drippings; melt over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion; sauté until light golden and beginning to soften, about 6 minutes. Add frozen corn; sauté 5 minutes. Add milk and cream; bring to boil. Gradually stir in grits and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and remaining green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer creamed corn to prepared dish. (Topping and corn can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake gratin uncovered 25 minutes. Sprinkle topping over; bake until topping is slightly crisp and creamed corn thickens and is heated through, about 20 minutes longer.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Bon Appétit, November 2003

1987. CAULIFLOWER LINGUINE with MUSHROOMS and CRISPY BACON

serves 4-5


linguine
250 grams bacon, cut into small pieces
500 grams mushrooms, sliced
1 head cauliflower, coarsely chopped
500ml stock (low sodium)
2 tablespoons creme fraiche
1 cup mature cheddar, grated
1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

Place bacon in a heated pan and fry until browned and crispy. Remove half of the bacon. This will be sprinkled on the pasta before serving. Add in mushrooms and leave to cook until mushrooms are softened. In another pan, heat up a bit of olive oil and butter. Toss in cauliflower, stir fry for about 10 minutes. Pour in stock and bring to boil. Lower heat to simmer until cauliflower softened. Puree in a blender. Transfer to a pan, stir in creme fraiche. Slowly mix in cheese. Stir in mushrooms and bacon. In another pot, cook linguine as instructed on the package. Drain. Pour cauliflower sauce in and mix. Toss in walnuts. Top with some crispy bacon and serve!


bacon recipe courtesy of: Pig Pig's Corner | Food and Travel Blog, January 24, 2009

1986. ROAST LEG of RABBIT wrapped in STREAKY BACON and served with CHESTNUTS

serves four


4 rabbit legs, each with the thigh-bone removed
1 pinches black pepper
12 rashers of streaky bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
500 grams pickling onions, peeled
500 grams potatoes, peeled and diced into 1cm cubes
500 grams boiled, peeled chestnuts
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
0.5 bay leaves
60 ml white wine
500 ml dark chicken stock, or fresh rabbit stock

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4. Season the inside of the rabbit legs with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Place three slices of streaky bacon on a board, top with a rabbit leg and wrap with the bacon as tightly as possible. Repeat the process until each leg has been wrapped up.

Heat a large ovenproof tray or frying pan on a hob, add the olive oil and heat through, then add the rabbit legs and fry gently on all sides until a light golden colour.

Remove the rabbit legs and reserve. Add the pickling onions to the pan and fry until golden, then mix in the potatoes, chestnuts, thyme and bay leaf, and fry for 1 minute.

Place the legs of rabbit on top of the fried onion mixture, season with salt and freshly ground pepper and pour over the wine. Bring to the boil and then add the stock.

Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, taking care to stir the vegetables now and then during the cooking to avoid them getting burnt.

Once cooked, remove the rabbit legs and leave to rest for a couple of minutes. Divide the onion mixture among 4 plates. Slice each leg into four pieces, place three slices in the middle of each plate, over the garnish and the drumstick bone on the top.

Slightly reduce the leftover sauce. Season if necessary and drizzle the sauce over the legs. Serve at once.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Michel Lemoine, Good Food Live, Good Food Channel, UK-TV

1985. FRENCH CHEESE and BACON SOUFFLE

makes 4 servings


6 slices French lard fumé (or double-smoked bacon)
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
6 ounces Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 large eggs, separated
Pinch of salt

In a large skillet, fry the bacon over moderate heat till crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Reserve the bacon fat. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 1½-quart soufflé dish and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat and butter over moderately low heat, add the onions, and stir till softened, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the top and stir about 3 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking, increase the heat to high, and boil the mixture for 2 minutes, whisking. Remove the pan from the heat, add the cheese and salt and pepper, and whisk till the cheese is melted. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking, then stir in the crumbled bacon. In a bowl, beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer till they hold stiff peaks. Whisk about ¼ of the whites into the cheese mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whites till well blended. Scrape the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish and bake in center of the oven till puffy and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Bacon Cookbook: More than 150 Recipes from Around the World for Everyone's Favorite Food by James Villas. Wiley, 2007

1984. ALASKA SALMON RICE PILAF with BACON, PEAS and MINT

1 can (14.75 oz.) or 2 cans (7.5 oz. each) traditional pack salmon or 2 cans pouches (6 to 7.1 oz. each) skinless, boneless salmon
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
1-1/4 cup long grain rice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground chili powder
2 chicken or vegetable stock cubes, dissolved in 3-3/4 cups hot water
¾ cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or mint
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely grated Gruyere, Parmesan, or Cheddar cheese, if desired

Drain salmon, reserving liquid. Discard skin and bones (if any). Break salmon into chunks and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Add onion, garlic, and bacon. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until onion is browned. Stir in rice, cumin, and chili powder. Cook, uncover, stirring occasionally for another 3 to 3 minutes.

Pour in stock and reserved salmon liquid. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Gently stir peas and salmon into the rice (try to avoid breaking the chunks of salmon) and cook for a minute or two. Fold in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: In My Kitchen

1983. APPLE-JACK BACON and TURKEY PANINI with HONEY-HERB AIOLI

serves four


12 oz. hickory-smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
4 oz. colby jack cheese, thinly sliced
8 slices bacon, cooked
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use)
2 cups yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely choppped
8 slices wheat bread

Melt 1 tbsp. butter into large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onions, apples, salt and pepper. Cook 10-12 min. until golden brown. Set aside. Mix together in small bowl mayonnaise, honey and sage. Set aside. Lay 4 slices of bread down and spread honey-herb aioli equally on bread. Top the bread with the turkey breast. (Equally divided.)

Top with apples, onions, and colby jack cheese. Place 2 slices bacon on each sandwich. Top with remaining bread slice. Place in skillet 1 tbsp. butter and brown on each side until bread is crisp and cheese is melted. Cut diagonally and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Kretschmar Deli, John Morrell Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 405020, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240-5020

1982. POTATO CUBES with CRISPY BACON and HERB GREMOLATA

serves four


650 grams small baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes
4 tablespoons mixed herbs, such as tarragon, parsley and chives
1/2 finely lemon, grated zest only
100 grams fresh white breadcrumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
125 grams smoked bacon, finely chopped
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Place the potatoes in a pan and cover with cold water, then add a little salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are almost but not quite cooked. Drain in a colander and cool slightly. Mix together the herbs, lemon zest and breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Season the potatoes, with salt and pepper, then dip them in the beaten egg whites and coat in the herb crumbs. Heat a dry frying pan, add the bacon and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Heat the oil in the pan, add the potatoes, and fry until golden all over. Return the bacon to the pan, toss with the potatoes and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Paul Gayler, Market Kitchen, UKTV-Food

1981. LIGHT LETTUCE CREAM, BACON FOAM, BRAISED LETTUCE and ESCARGOTS

yields four servings

Light cream
2 nice 600 g (1 1/3 lb.) heads of lettuce
2/3 oz. white onion
2/3 oz. leek, white part only
22/3 oz. smoked pork rind
1 bouquet garni
2 cups light chicken stock
1 clove of garlic
4 tsp. butter
1 cup crème fraîche
salt

Smoked bacon foam
8 tsp. liquid cream
1/3 oz. finely diced smoked bacon
a pinch of curry powder, salt and pepper

Braised lettuce ribs and leaves
Use the ribs and a few leaves from the light cream ingredients
4 tsp. butter
2/3 oz. carrot, in very small dice
3/4 cup light chicken stock
a pinch of chopped parsley
a clove of garlic, peeled and a few thyme flowers
2/3 oz. smoked bacon simmered for 30 minutes with onion, clove and bouquet garni

Escargots (you may substitute chicken "oysters")
20 small snails cooked in court-bouillon
4 tsp. butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
a pinch of chopped parsley
a touch of garlic
a pinch of fine breadcrumbs
a drizzle of lemon juice
1 drop of pastis
a pinch of Madras curry powder

Fried leek
3 oz. leek (white part), julienned
4 cups grapeseed oil for frying
a blend of salt and curry powder
4 sprigs of chervil

Light cream: In a high-sided saucepan, sweat the onions, leek white, garlic, bacon rind and bouquet garni in foaming butter. Finally, add the well-washed lettuce, having set aside the ribs and tender green leaves. Add the hot chicken stock and salt lightly. Cook quickly for 15 minutes, then add the cream and cook 5 minutes longer. Finally, add a few nice green leaves to the cream and blend at high speed for 6-8 minutes to obtain a light green color. Keep hot.

Smoked bacon foam: Bring the 30 g cream to a boil with the finely diced smoked bacon, curry, salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes and blend everything to obtain a bacon and curry-flavored cream. Let rest. Once cooled, add in 10 g (1/3 oz.) whipped cream. Set aside.

Braised lettuce ribs and leaves: In a sauté pan, sauté in butter the finely diced carrot with the cooked smoked bacon, garlic and thyme flowers; add the lettuce ribs and chicken stock and cook, covered, for a few minutes. Finally, add the tender green leaves and chopped parsley. Set aside.

Escargots: In a sauté pan, sauté the well-drained snails in butter, add the chopped shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes. Deglaze with a drop of pastis and a squeeze of lemon juice. Finally, add a touch of garlic, a little chopped parsley and a sprinkling of bread crumbs, salt, pepper and Madras curry powder. Set aside.

Fried leeks: Heat the oil to 140° C (280° F). Fry the thinly sliced leeks for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt, pepper and curry. Keep hot.

Presentation: In wide-rimmed bowls, place a 6 cm (2 1/2") metal ring. Place the braised lettuce ribs and leaves inside. On top, place the snails in a circle around the perimeter of the ring. Drizzle the cream around the outside of the ring. Top with the bacon foam. Place the fried leeks on the snails and add a few sprigs of chervil. Remove the ring and serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Patrick Henriroux, Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, La Pyramide, 14, boulevard Fernand Point, 38200 Vienne (Isère), France

1980. ROAST BACON with DRIED CHERRIES and PEACHES

serves 6-8


1.2kg-piece organic bacon, rind on
1 cup dry sherry
½ cup sherry vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup honey
75 grams fresh ginger, sliced
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 golden shallots, sliced
1 cinnamon stick, split
150 grams dried cherries or cranberries
2 cups chicken stock
8 dried peach halves
mashed potato, to serve

Combine all ingredients, except peaches and potato, in a large bowl. Cover and put in the fridge overnight, turning bacon occasionally.

Preheat oven to 220ºC. Put bacon in a baking dish, cover with foil, then cook for 45 minutes. Add peaches, baste well with juices and cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until bacon is golden.

Remove bacon and peaches from dish. Put dish over a high heat and cook for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Thickly slice bacon and arrange on plates with peach halves. Spoon over the sauce. Serve with mashed potato.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Karen Martini, Better Homes & Gardens, Australia

1979. WARM CABBAGE SALAD with ROQUEFORT and PEPPERED BACON

serves six


6 ounces thick-sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional for sprinkling on bacon
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons minced shallot
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 medium head red or green cabbage, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 12 cups)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3 ounces Roquefort, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a shallow baking pan spread bacon in one layer and sprinkle generously with additional pepper. Bake bacon in oven, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes, or until crisp, and transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, reserving drippings.

In a small heavy saucepan boil wine with shallot until most wine is evaporated and add cream, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer mixture until thickened slightly and keep warm.

In a very large skillet heat half of reserved drippings over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and cook half of cabbage, stirring, until it begins to wilt, about 2 minutes. Transfer wilted cabbage to a bowl and cook remaining cabbage in remaining reserved drippings in same manner. Return wilted cabbage in bowl to skillet. Add vinegar and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in cream mixture and cook stirring until cabbage is crisp-tender. Add Roquefort, stirring until melted.

Divide salad among 6 plates and sprinkle with bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gourmet, December 1996

1978. POTATO, BACON and FONTINA FRITTATA

serves four


1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch diced) Yukon gold or red-skinned potato
1 onion, halved, cut into thin strips
8 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
2 tablespoons shredded fontina cheese
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives

Heat broiler. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until fat is almost rendered and bacon is starting to crisp; remove bacon to a paper towel to drain. Add potato and onion to drippings; raise heat to medium-high and sauté mixture until potato is almost tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese, then stir in bacon. Pour into skillet, shaking pan gently to distribute. Reduce heat to medium and cook, without stirring, 5 minutes, or until set on bottom and sides (eggs will be runny in center).

Place skillet under broiler; broil 2 minutes, or until frittata is firm in center. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cheese and chives. Loosen edges with a rubber spatula and slide onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Frank P. Melodia, Redbook Magazine, Editorial Offices, 300 West 57th Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10019

1977. ZUCCHINI and BACON THREE CHEESE LASAGNA

makes 4 servings


Béchamel Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tbsp flour
1/2 cup milk
Pinch of salt, pepper, & freshly grated nutmeg

Lasagna:
1 zucchini, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt & pepper

3 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
6 slices bacon, cooked and cut into bite sized pieces
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt & pepper

1 cup of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce
3 oz smoked mozzarella cheese
4 oven ready (no boil) lasagna noodles

Dice zucchini, add garlic, coat with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. Roast in an 8×8 baking dish at 400 degrees for 15 mins until soft. Leave oven on at 400, and save the 8×8 dish for the lasagna.

Combine the zucchini, bacon, Parmesan, fontina, egg, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Set aside.

To make the béchamel sauce: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the béchamel sauce.

Pour the béchamel sauce into the bottom of the 8×8 dish. Top with 2 lasagna noodles, the zucchini mixture, 2 more lasagna noodles, the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a little more parmesan cheese to top.

Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 400 until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Kevin & Amanda, Alabama, July 19, 2010

1976. PARMESAN and RICOTTA CHEESE PIZZA with PISTACHIOS, BACON and MICROGREENS

pizza dough
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
4 strips applewood smoked bacon, sliced into 1-2″ strips
1/2 cup microgreens

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Prepare the dough and sprinkle a small amount of corn meal on a pizza stone or baking pizza pan to prevent the pizza from sticking. In a bowl combine together the ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt and pepper, mix well then place the mixture atop of the prepared pizza dough. Then layer with the bacon and half of the pistachios. Bake the pizza for 14-18 minutes until the dough is browned and the bacon is crispy. Before serving garnish with the remaining pistachios and the microgreens.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Haley Desmet, What we LOVE most, HaleyBrooke2@msn.com, February 8, 2010

1975. KALE and SMOKED BACON SALAD with ZINFANDEL VINAIGRETTE

makes 12 servings


6 tablespoons Zinfandel vinegar or other red wine vinegar
1/2 cup chopped shallots (about 2 large)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 ounces smoked bacon
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt plus additional (for seasoning)
4 bunches kale, center stems removed, leaves torn into large pieces

Combine vinegar, shallots, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels. Reserve skillet with drippings.

Fill large bowl with ice water. Bring large pot of water to boil; add 2 tablespoons coarse salt. Add all of kale and cook 2 minutes. Drain; transfer kale to ice water and let cool until cold, about 1 minute. Drain kale. Working in batches, spin drained kale in salad spinner to remove additional water. Place kale in large bowl. Crumble bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and add to kale.

Rewarm drippings in skillet. Whisk 2 tablespoons drippings into vinaigrette (reserve remaining drippings for another use). Season vinaigrette with coarse salt and pepper. Toss salad with vinaigrette.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Melissa McClure, Bon Appétit, October 2010

1974. BACON and RICOTTA-STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS

makes 9 stuffed blossoms


9 squash blossoms
4 slices (about 5 ounces) uncured pepper bacon
1 cup fresh whole milk ricotta
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Wash squash blossoms and allow them to dry. If they are male, you have to remove the stamen while keeping the flower in tact. (Even with my little fingers, this is difficult so it helps to use a paring knife to cut it out.) Set aside.

Chop up bacon into little squares and spread out on a cast iron pan on medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy. Remove to paper towel and allow to cool.

In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, parsley, olive oil, and bacon (once it has cooled). This mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Fill squash blossoms gently, careful not to rip the petals. You eat it like a lollipop.


bacon recipe courtesy of: FoodMayhem, New York City, August 6, 2009

1973. BLACK-EYED PEAS with BACON and ESCAROLE

serves 2 as main dish; serves 4 as side dish


4 slices bacon
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 bunch escarole, torn into 3-inch pieces (about 10 cups)
kosher salt and black pepper
1 15.5-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed, or a heaping 1/2 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked and cooked

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Crumble. Add the garlic to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the escarole, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook, tossing occasionally, until beginning to wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the black-eyed peas and ¼ cup water and cook, tossing occasionally, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the bacon before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Real Simple

1972. CRISPY SMOKED BACON GREMOLATA

2 applewood smoked bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped

In a medium saute pan add olive oil. When hot add bacon slices. When bacon is lightly browned turn over and saute for 15 seconds. Remove bacon and place on paper towels. Allow to cool. Once cooled, bacon will be crispy. Crush with your hands into a bowl. Mix with lemon zest and parsley.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Executive Chef Heidi Krahling, Insalata Restaurant, 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, California 94960