3435. FRIED GREEN TOMATO and BACON GRILLED CHEESE

serves four


2 green tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
½ cup bacon grease (save from cooking bacon)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup milk
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup flour
⅔ cup cornmeal
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
sugar
8 slices white bread, preferably Texas Toast
8 slices bacon, cooked
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 teaspoons chopped chives, optional
butter

Whisk eggs, milk, paprika, and garlic powder in a pie pan or bowl.

In another pie pan or on a plate, mix together flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper.

Dip tomatoes into egg mixture and then coat with flour mixture.

Heat bacon grease in a large cast iron skillet or regular skillet over medium heat. When hot, fry 4 to 5 tomatoes at a time. When golden brown on one side, flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with sugar and salt.

For each sandwich, layer 2 to 3 fried green tomatoes on a piece of bread, top with 2 slices bacon, and about ¼ cup Cheddar cheese and ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle with chives and top with another bread slice.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place a pat of butter on the surface of the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out as it melts. Place a sandwich on top and cook until golden brown. Lift sandwich off pan with a spatula, place another pat of butter down and flip sandwich over onto the melted butter. Cook until cheese is melted, turning heat down if it starts to brown too quickly.


bacon recipe source: Christin Mahrlig (@cmahrlig), Spicy Southern Kitchen, August 12, 2014

3434. DEEP-FRIED DOUGHNUTS with a BROWN BUTTER MAPLE GLAZE, BACON and CHOCOLATE SAUCE

yields 4-8 servings

 

 

1 (48 oz.) bottle vegetable oil

1 package bacon

1 ( 48 oz.) sleeve (Pillsbury Grands Homestyle) biscuits

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons milk

Hot fudge sauce for drizzling

 

In a medium sized pot, empty a full container of vegetable oil. Attach a candy thermometer to the size of the pot. Heat oil over medium heat until it reach 360-375° F. Turn your heat down slightly to prevent the oil from getting too hot. Use extreme caution, oil will be very hot.

 

While oil is heating, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Make sure it is a baking sheet with raised edges. Spread bacon out over baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until desired crispness. About halfway through, remove from oven and pour out excess oil. Caution, bacon and oil will be very hot! When bacon is done, put on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. When cooled, chop into small pieces. Set aside.

 

Remove biscuits from container and cut into fourths lengthwise. With your hands, roll each cutting into a long string, about the thickness of a pencil. Cut in half if necessary.

 

Once oil is heated, slowly drop biscuits into oil. Bake for about 20-30 second a side until golden brown. Remove with a pair of tongs and set on a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil. When finished deep frying, leave your candy thermometer in the oil until it is completely cooled.

 

For the glaze: Sift powered sugar. This step is necessary to create a smooth glaze. Melt butter in a saucepan. Once melted, continue to stir until butter turns a golden brown. Pour melted butter over powdered sugar. Add maple syrup and milk. Whisk until smooth. For a thicker glaze, add only 1 tablespoon of milk instead of two. Or add additional powered sugar. To make glaze thinner, add additional milk. Heat fudge sauce in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until thin. To assemble the fries, please bottom layer of donut fries on the plate and drizzle maple glaze and chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with bacon. Repeat for as many layers as you want to make.

 

 

bacon recipe source: Julianne, Beyond Frosting (@beyondfrosting), January 26, 2014

3433. BACON-GRIT FRITTERS

makes about 32 fritters


1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
3 cups panko
vegetable oil

Prepare grits according to packing directions, using milk and salt. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish or pan, and chill 4 to 24 hours.

Roll grits into 1 1/2-inch balls. Whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water. Dip balls in egg wash, and roll in breadcrumbs.

Pour oil to depth of 3 inches into a large heavy skillet; heat over medium-high heat to 350º. Fry fritters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep fritters warm on a wire rack in a pan in a 225º oven up to 30 minutes. Serve warm.


bacon recipe source: Bourbon & Bacon: The Ultimate Guide to the South's Favorite Food Groups, by Morgan Murphy (@_MorganMurphy) and the Editors of Southern Living Magazine (Oxmoor House/Southern Living/Time House Entertainment, Inc., 2014)

3432. FRENCH-STYLE CHICKEN with PEAS and BACON

serves four 


6 rashers smoked streaky bacon, chopped
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bunch spring onions, roughly chopped
300 ml (1 1/4 cups) hot chicken stock
250 grams (9 oz.) frozen peas
1 Little Gem lettuce, roughly shredded
2 tablespoons crème fraîche 

In a large frying pan, dry-fry the bacon over a medium heat for 3 minutes until the fat is released and the bacon is golden. Transfer the bacon to a small bowl, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the chicken and brown for 4 minutes each side. 

Push the chicken to one side of the pan and tip in the garlic and spring onions, cooking for about 30 seconds, just until the spring onion stalks are bright green. Pour in the chicken stock, return the bacon to the pan, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 

Increase heat under the pan. Tip the peas and lettuce into the sauce and cook for 4 minutes, covered, until the peas are tender and the lettuce has just wilted. Check chicken is cooked through. Stir in the crème fraîche just before serving.


bacon recipe source: Good Food Magazine, June 2010, BBC Good Food, Building 800, Guillat Avenue, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne ME9 8GU

3431. BACON-WRAPPED YAKI MOCHI

each block of mochi makes 2 skewers 


mochi blocks, as needed 
sliced bacon, as needed (1 slice of bacon per skewer) 
2 tablespoons soy sauce 
2 tablespoons mirin

Cut each block into eight equal sized cubes. If the blocks of mochi are too difficult to cut up as is, heat them up slightly in the microwave in 20 second increments. Cut slices of bacon in half lengthwise and then crosswise so that each slice of bacon is in four.

Place the pieces of mochi on a microwave safe place (make sure the mochi isn’t touching) and microwave for 20 seconds. The mochi should be slightly softened and easy to pierce with a wooden skewer. If not, microwave for 20 seconds more.

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together the soy sauce and mirin.

Wrap each mochi cube with a piece of bacon and skewer, 4 bacon-wrapped mochi pieces to a stick. Grill over medium heat (you can do this on the barbecue, or in a grill pan indoors), flipping regularly, and brushing with the soy-mirin mixture until the bacon is crispy and the mochi is puffed up and browned, 20-30 minutes. The longer you grill, the more puffy and crispy the mochi will become. When it looks just about right, turn up the heat to high to give it one last blast for some extra crispiness. Enjoy hot!


bacon recipe source: Stephanie, i am a food blog, December 19, 2013

3430. MAPLE BACON SIMMERED HIJIKI SEAWEED

makes eight servings


25 grams (0.8 oz.) dried hijiki seaweed (150 grams (6oz.) rehydrated hijiki seaweed)
3 slices bacon
50 grams (1.8 oz.) carrots
3 dried shiitake mushrooms
3 tablespoons dashi broth, plus reserved soaking liquid of shiitake mushrooms
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoons mirin (sweet sake)
1 tablespoons sake
1 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons cooking oil 

Put dried hijiki in a bowl. Wash them and soak in water for about 15 minutes, then drain. Thinly slice bacon. Cut carrot into thin strips. Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in water until soft (reserve the soaking liquid), remove stems, and slice thinly.
 
Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and saute seaweed, bacon, carrots and mushrooms. Add dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake and maple syrup, and simmer until the liquid is almost gone.

Serve with rice. Garnish with sliced shiso leaves or chopped scallions (optional).


bacon recipe source: Create Eat Happy :), June 19, 2009

3429. PASTA with BACON and SARDINE CREAM SAUCE

yields four servings


1 pound dried long, thin pasta, such as spaghettini, spaghetti, or linguine
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 slices bacon (about 1 ounce), finely chopped, or 1 additional tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
1 (6.5-ounce) can skinless and boneless sardines packed in olive oil, drained well, or 8 fresh sardine
fillets
2 tablespoons capers, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 or 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or additional extra virgin olive oil

In a large pot of heavily salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add about one third of the garlic and cook for a minute or two, until soft.

Add the bread crumbs, stir to coat with the oil, and cook until the crumbs are lightly toasted. Be careful not to let them burn. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley and the lemon zest.

Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the bacon. Cook until the fat has rendered from the meat, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook for another minute. Add the sardines and capers and cook, mashing the sardines with a spoon, for another 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer.

Add the heavy cream to the pan and return to a simmer. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the frying pan along with the butter and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon parsley. Toss to coat the noodles with the sauce. Simmer for a minute or two, until the sauce thickens and adheres to the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with the toasted bread crumb mixture.


bacon recipe source: Mitchell Davis, Executive Vice President, the James Beard Foundation; author of Kitchen Sense (Clarkson Potter, 2006), host of Taste Matters on Heritage Radio Network

3428. BAKED GRAVENSTEIN APPLE with BACON, CORNBREAD and PORCINI STUFFING

15 grams dried porcini mushrooms (about ½ oz.)
¼ cup boiling water
½ cup cornbread crumbles
2 strips applewood bacon
2 green onions
½ stalk celery, small dice
1 leaf fresh sage, chiffonade
6 Gravenstein apples
1 stick butter, salted
1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Soak porcini mushrooms in boiling water. Once softened, remove mushrooms from water, reserving water, and chop into a small dice.

Toast cornbread crumbles in a 350 degree oven until lightly browned (about 8 minutes).

Cut bacon crosswise into ¼ inch sections and render in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon from pan, reserving the fat in the pan.

Cut green onions into ⅛ inch rings, separating green tops from white bases. Sauté white sections of onions with chopped celery and mushrooms in the reserved bacon fat over medium heat until slightly softened (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Fold toasted cornbread, sage and reserved mushroom liquid into sauté pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.

To assemble apples, using an apple corer, remove cores of all six apples. Cut ¼-inch off of the top of each apple. With a small spoon, carve out the center of each apple three-quarters of the way down, leaving ½-inch sidewalls. Rub apples inside and out with butter and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Fill apples with the stuffing and bake on a sheet pan at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until apples soften.


bacon recipe source: Brandon Guenther, Rocker Oysterfeller's, 14415 Shoreline Hwy, Valley Ford, CA 94972; via Sonoma County Tourism, 3637 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, August 8, 2013

3427. GRILLED KING TRUMPET MUSHROOM, KALE, and BACON SALAD with LEMON-HERB VINAIGRETTE

makes 4 to 6 servings


1/2 lb large meaty wild mushrooms such as king trumpet, porcini/bolete, or chanterelle
2 or 3 strips applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, and/or mint
1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and leaves cut into strips crosswise
Kosher salt
Juice of 1/2 lemon

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

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

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

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

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


bacon recipe source: Kim Laidlaw, KQED, 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, August 23, 2014

3426. BACON with CARMELIZED ONION and SUN-DRIED TOMATOES QUESO FUNDIDO

serves six as a light appetizer 


3 strips thick-sliced bacon 
1 medium white onion, diced 
hot green chiles to taste (roughly 1 large jalapeño or 2 serranos), stemmed, seeded if you wish, finely diced 
1/4 cup diced recipe ready sun-dried tomatoes  
3 tablespoons beer, preferably a full-flavored beer like Negra Modelo 
8 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded (you’ll have about 2 cups) 
1/4 cup chopped cilantro 
warm corn or flour tortillas or tortilla chips

Heat the oil in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until browned and crisp. Remove the bacon and tip off most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble and set aside for the garnish. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the onions. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown. Add the chiles and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute, or until the chile has softened. Pour in the beer and stir until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is once again dry looking.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the vegetables and stir slowly and constantly until just melted—too long over the heat and the cheese will become tough, oily and stringy. Immediately scoop into a warm serving dish (a small fondue dish with a tea light below is ideal) and sprinkle on the crumbled bacon and chopped cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.


bacon recipe source: Frontera Fiesta with Chef Rick Bayless; Frontera Foods, Inc., 449 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654

3425. BELUGA LENTILS with BACON and BALSAMIC ROASTED SHALLOTS

¾-1 cup shallots, peeled but left whole
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
1 cup beluga lentils, cleaned and picked over
2 1/2 water
150 grams slab bacon, cut into lardons or strips
1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed (through a garlic press)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
optional: sun-dried or oven-roasted tomatoes, goat’s cheese or cottage cheese

Place shallots in a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a 350F oven and roast for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, tossing the shallots every so often so they brown evenly.

While your shallots are roasting, place lentils and water in a pan, cover, and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Cook them just until soft, no further. Drain and set aside.

While the shallots are roasting and the lentils are cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the bacon and fry until some of the fat has rendered and the edges are toasty.

In a bowl whisk together the garlic, extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste and whisk again. Pour dressing, parsley, and lemon rind over cooked and drained lentils and toss gently, taking care not to smoosh the lentils. Add cooked bacon (and some of the bacon drippings too!) and roasted shallots. Toss gently again. Top with sun-dried tomatoes and cheese if using.


bacon recipe source: 80 Breakfasts, July 17, 2011

3424. QUESO BLANCO BACON BURGERS with WATERMELON and TOMATO SALSA FRESCA

makes six burgers

1 seeded serrano chile, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced watermelon
1/2 cup diced, seeded tomato
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup minced cilantro
6 slices bacon, diced
2 lbs ground chuck
4 oz. queso blanco (or Monterey Jack) cheese, grated
1/4 cup minced cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 minced chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for brushing grill rack
8 oz. queso blanco (or Monterey Jack) cheese, grated
6 bakery hamburger buns, split
6 leaves Bibb or Boston lettuce

Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat, or prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover.
Combine chile, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a medium non-reactive bowl and mix well. Stir in watermelon, tomato, onion, and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate while preparing burgers.

Place bacon in a large, heavy non-stick fire-proof skillet on the grill; cook until crisp. Reserving dripping, use slotted spoon to transfer bacon pieces to paper towels. Place ground chuck, cheese, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, salt, black pepper, and bacon pieces in a large bowl; drizzle with 2 Tablespoons reserved bacon drippings. Mix lightly, handling as little as possible. Shape into 6 patties to fit buns.

When grill is ready, brush grill rack with oil. Place patties on the rack and cover. Cook, turning once, until done to preference; about 5-7 minutes per side for medium. Sprinkle cheese on patties during last 3 minutes of grilling. Place buns, cut side down, around outer edges of grill during last 2 minutes of grilling.

To assemble burgers, place lettuce on buns, top with equally divided salsa fresca, followed by patties. Add bun tops and serve.


bacon recipe source: Sutter Home Family Vineyards, 277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy 29), South St. Helena, CA 94574

3423. BACON BEER BEEF and IRISH POTATOES

serves four


Bacon Beer Beef: 
4 strips thick cut bacon 
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes 
salt and pepper, to taste 
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 
2 tablespoons all purpose flour 
½ teaspoon smoked paprika 
12 ounces stout beer 
2 cups beef broth (or stock)

Irish Potatoes: 
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped 
6 tablespoons unsalted butter 
2 cups cabbage (or kale), chopped 
½ cup green onions, chopped 
1 cup whole milk 
salt and pepper, to taste

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon. Remove the bacon from the pot. Chop and set aside. Pour off bacon grease until about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease remain in the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Sprinkle the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add to the pot, sear on all sides until browned, and remove from pot (beef will not be cooked through). Add the onions. Cook until lightly caramelized, about ten minutes. Sprinkle with flour, stir until flour has turned brown, about 1 minute. Add the stout and stir, scraping to deglaze the pan. Pour in the broth. Add the beef cubes and bacon back into the pot. Add the lid at a slight vent and reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Allow to simmer until beef is fork tender, 1 ½ to 2 hours. While the beef is cooking, make the potatoes: Add the potatoes to a pot of salted water, bring to a boil and allow to cook until potatoes are fork tender. Drain, remove potatoes from the pot and return the empty pot to heat. Melt the butter in the pot. Add the cabbage (or kale) and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the green onions. Remove from heat, and add in the milk and the potatoes. Mash and stir until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.


bacon recipe source: Jackie Todd (@TheBeeroness), Parade, March 11, 2014

3422. BACON, ARUGULA and NECTARINE SANDWICH

serves four


¼ cup balsamic vinegar
12 strips applewood-smoked bacon
2 cups arugula
2-3 nectarines, peeled and sliced
8 slices bread
mayonnaise
red onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Simmer the vinegar in a small saucepan until it has reduced by half and become quite thick and syrupy. Cook the bacon however you like. Toast the bread. Build the sandwiches. Spread each piece of bread with mayonnaise. Top with a handful of arugula and sprinkle with coarsely ground black pepper. Top with nectarine slices, red onions (if desired), and a drizzle of the reduced balsamic vinegar. Place the bacon over the nectarines and sandwich with the second piece of bread.


bacon recipe source: Sarah, strawberryplum, July 15, 2013

3421. BACON-STOUT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

serves twelve 


Crust
4 standard sized graham crackers
1 cup pretzel rods
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted 

Filling
7 oz dark chocolate (60%)
1 cup stout
3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon espresso powder
3/4 cup beer-candied bacon, finely chopped 

Topping
2/3 cup hot fudge sauce
1/2 cup beer-candied bacon, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Place one oven rack in the middle position, with one rack below. Preheat oven to 350°F. 

Crust: In a food processor add the graham crackers, sugar and the pretzels and process until it’s the consistency of crumbs. Turn the food processor on, and slowly stream in the butter and process until it resembles wet sand.

Spray the inside of a 9-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the processed crumbs into the spring form pan.

Using the bottom of a heavy, flat bottom glass, press the crust very well into the bottom of the pan until well compacted. 

Filling: In a pot over medium high heat, add the beer and the chocolate, stir until melted and remove from heat. Allow to cool.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and the sugar and mix until smooth.

One at a time, add the eggs, scraping the bottom of the bowl between additions.

Pour the cooled chocolate into the mixer and beat until well combined.

Lift the head of the mixer and add flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and bacon over the batter, stir on low speed until just combined.

Pour the batter into the pan over the crust.

Place the pan in the oven in the middle position. Place a baking dish on the rack below the cheesecake, fill with water.

Bake the cheesecake until the center no longer jiggles when you shake the rack, about 45-50 minutes. This isn’t a situation where a tooth pick inserted in the middle should come out clean, you just need the center to set and it will continue to set as it cools. Remove from oven. 

Topping: For the topping, warm your hot fudge sauce so that it is pourable.

Pour onto the center of the cheesecake carefully, and allow to sit and solidify for 15 minutes. Top the chocolate with the chopped bacon.

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, and continue whipping on high until stiff peaks form.

Place in piping bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe border of whipped cream around the edge.


bacon recipe source: Laura Davis, Tide and Thyme, Maryland; on Craft Beer.com

3420. WARM BIBB and BACON SALAD with MALTY-BEER VINAIGRETTE

serves four


6 bacon slices, chopped into ¼-inch slices
½ large red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon aniseed
½ cup stout beer (or dark beer)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large head of Bibb lettuce, washed and leaves torn

Sauté bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels and drain.

Reduce the skillet heat to moderate and leave approximately ⅓ of the bacon drippings in the pan. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.

When the onion is ready, add the sugar and aniseed, and cook until the onion is caramelized. Deglaze the pan by adding the beer and balsamic vinegar, and simmer until sauce slightly thickens, about 3 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they are softened slightly but still firm, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

To serve, arrange the Bibb lettuce on a plate, and top with the tomato and vinaigrette mix. Sprinkle with bacon and serve.

bacon recipe source: Sur La Table: The Art & Soul of Cooking, PO Box 840, Brownsburg, IN 46112

3419. DEVILED EGGS with CANDIED BACON

yields 6 to 8 servings 


1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
cayenne pepper
pinch ground cinnamon
1/8 pound thick-cut bacon (about 3 strips)
8 large eggs, straight from the refrigerator
1/4 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise, or as much as desired
2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 scallions, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
paprika, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, a pinch of cayenne and the cinnamon. Place the bacon on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle each slice of bacon with some of the spiced sugar and bake, about 10 minutes. Flip the bacon, sprinkle with the remaining spiced sugar and continue to cook until crispy, about 10 more minutes. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow to cool. When the bacon is cool, mince it and set aside, reserving a quarter of it for garnishing the eggs.

Put the cold eggs in the bottom of a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let stand for 12 minutes. Drain the eggs and rinse with cold water. Let the eggs cool a bit and then peel when they are still warm (eggs are much easier to peel when they are warm). After they are peeled, you can then store them, covered, in the fridge.

Mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, dill, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, the scallions and the minced bacon in a medium mixing bowl. Season with the salt.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks by pressing your thumb against the back of the yolk to pop it out of the white. Add the yolks to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Mash together, using a fork, until smooth.

Put the filling in a re-sealable bag. Cut one end off and pipe the filling into the egg whites. Sprinkle with the paprika, extra bacon bits and dill before serving.  

 

 

bacon recipe source: Kelsey Nixon, "Small Plate Party," Kelsey's Essentials, Cooking Channel TV

3418. GRILLED PEACH SALAD with BALSAMIC BACON VINAIGRETTE

yields 2 servings


nonstick cooking spray

5 slices bacon, chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 firm, ripe large peaches, pitted and quartered
extra-virgin olive oil
5 ounces baby spinach
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and spray with nonstick spray.

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate

Add the shallots to the skillet and saute until tender. Stir in the mustard, vinegar and sugar and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Brush the peaches with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden and has grill char marks, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

Add the spinach and the sliced red onion to a large serving bowl. Add the peaches, the vinaigrette and the chopped bacon. Toss and serve.

bacon recipe source: Patrick and Gina Neely, "Memphis Madness," Down Home with the Neelys, Food Network

3417. BACON PANCAKES with MAPLE-PEANUT BUTTER SYRUP

makes five servings


Maple-Peanut Butter Syrup 
3 tablespoons peanut butter

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened 

1/2 cup maple syrup 

 

Pancakes 

2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix

3/4 cup milk  

1/4 cup maple syrup  

2 eggs  

1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped

 

In small bowl, beat peanut butter and butter with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup syrup until well mixed. Heat nonstick griddle to 350°F or heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. In medium bowl, stir all pancake ingredients except bacon with wire whisk or fork until blended. Stir in bacon. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until edges are dry. Turn; cook other sides until golden brown. Serve pancakes with syrup. 

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, MN 55440

3416. OYSTER STEW with SAFFRON, LEEKS and BACON

serves four


1 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons minced shallots

8 saffron threads

2 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 leek, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

24 oysters, shucked (reserve their liquor)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Dash of paprika

 

Combine the wine, shallots, and saffron in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer gently until the liquid is reduced by half. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in an 8-inch skillet until it is crispy, then pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Add the leeks to the bacon and gently cook until softened. Add the bacon mixture to the reduced wine. Add the cream, butter, and the liquor from the oysters and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Add the oysters and simmer until they just begin to curl, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with paprika. Serve hot.

 

 

bacon recipe source: Recipes from Home, by Barbara Shinn and David Page (Artisan, 2001); on FreshDirect.com

3415. MUSHROOM SOUP with BACON

yields 6 to 8 servings


5 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch lengths

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
1 clove garlic, smashed and finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms, stems removed and sliced (recommended: shiitake, cremini, or oyster)
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry sherry
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Add the bacon and butter to a wide, large pot and bring it to a medium heat. Cook the bacon, stirring frequently until it gets crispy and has released a lot of fat. Reserve the bacon and set aside.

To the bacon fat, add the diced onions and another pat of butter, if needed. Season the onions with salt and cook until they are soft and very aromatic, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and cook until they are soft and have released their juices, about 6 to 7 minutes. Scoop 1/3 of the mushroom mixture into a bowl and reserve.

To the pot, add the diced potato and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons flour. Add the sherry and cook until it has reduced by 1/2. Add the stock and bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Taste the stock and season with salt, if needed. Simmer the soup for 30 minutes. Add the cream and simmer for 10 minutes more.

Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and add the reserved bacon and mushrooms. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

 

Garnish the soup with the chopped fresh parsley

 

bacon recipe source: Anne Burrell, "The Secret of Shepherd's Pie," Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Food Network

3414. FRENCH LENTIL and VEGETABLE SOUP with BACON

makes six servings 


3 slices bacon, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped 

1 stalk celery, finely chopped 

2 medium carrots, diced 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes 

6 cups chicken broth, best quality such as Swanson 

1 cup French lentils (lentilles du Puy), or common brown or green lentils 

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 

2 bay leaves 

1 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 

a few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

 

Fry the bacon in a large pot over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, 4-5 minutes. Add the olive oil, onions and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and garlic, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute more. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, lentils, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover partially, reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, 45-50 minutes (less for common lentils). Fish out bay leaves and discard.

 

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until the broth is slightly thickened, or to desired consistency. (Do not purée too much or the soup will get too thick, and you'll lose the integrity of the lentils.) If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender and purée until smooth, then return the blended soup to the pot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve. (Note: The soup may thicken as it sits; thin with a bit of water if necessary.)

bacon recipe source: Jennifer Segal, Once Upon a Chef, January 2013

3413. CORN CHOWDER with BACON and THYME

serves four


1 yellow onion
2 (about 1 pound) Yukon Gold potatoes
4 strips bacon
4 cups (1 quart) whole milk
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (about 2 sprigs)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 16-ounce bag frozen corn (or 3 cups fresh corn)
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Place a large pot on the stove.

On a large cutting board, chop the onion; push to one side. Wash the potatoes (no need to peel). To cut the potatoes into pieces, first slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Then stack a few slices and cut them into 6 to 8 triangles like a pizza; repeat. Place this cutting board next to your pot on the stove.

On a separate small cutting board, cut the bacon crosswise into ½-inch wide pieces.

Turn the heat under your pot to medium. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. While the bacon cooks, measure the milk. Wash the thyme and pull leaves from their sprigs.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove pot from heat. Using tongs, take out the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Return the pot to medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute then add the milk, scraping the bottom of the pan as you slowly pour. Add the potatoes, corn, thyme, salt, black pepper (about 12 turns on pepper mill), and cayenne pepper. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer (low boil), stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 18 to 20 minutes. If you like a creamier soup, puree about half of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to get the consistency you like. Stir in the bacon and serve.


bacon recipe source: do it Delicious, with Jessica Seinfeld

3412. BACON-STUFFED JUMBO CINNAMON ROLLS

yields 5 cinnamon rolls


1 (5 count) package refrigerated jumbo cinnamon rolls
5 thick slices bacon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a Silpat liner or parchment paper, set aside. Open the container and set the frosting aside. Unroll each cinnamon roll and lay a slice of bacon onto the dough. Roll the cinnamon roll back up and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until fully cooked and spread frosting over the warm rolls. Serve warm.


bacon recipe source: Brandy O'Neill, She Knows, September 10, 2013

3411. ESPRESSO and CARDAMOM GLAZED BACON

serves 4


12 strips of bacon
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 shot of espresso
1 cardamon pod

Place the bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet. Combine espresso, maple and smashed cardamon pod Brush each strip with syrup mixture and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Drain on a wire rack and serve.


bacon recipe source: Karen, Sunday Suppers, April 25, 2014; adapted from Toby's Estate, 125 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

125 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, New York

3410. TWO-BITE BACON-HERB SCONES

makes about 32 scones


1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup cooked, finely crumbled bacon
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped assorted fresh herbs
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups self-rising flour
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
garnishes: assorted fresh herbs, cooked and crumbled bacon

Preheat oven to 375º. Stir together first 7 ingredients. Stir in flour until blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Spoon batter into lightly greased miniature muffin pans, filling completely full.

Bake at 375º for 26 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove scones from pans to wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes). Spread or pipe tops of scones with cream cheese. Garnish, if desired.


bacon recipe source: Bourbon & Bacon: The Ultimate Guide to the South's Favorite Food Groups, by Morgan Murphy (@_MorganMurphy) and the Editors of Southern Living Magazine (Oxmoor House/Southern Living/Time House Entertainment, Inc., 2014)

3409. MASHED RED SKIN POTATOES with SMOKED BACON and ASIAGO CHEESE, baked in PHYLLO DOUGH

makes 8-16 servings


1 cup mashed red skin potatoes
1/4 cup crispy smoked bacon chopped
1/4 cup whole milk
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup Asiago cheese grated
approximately 12 sheets of phyllo dough thawed
salt and pepper

Fry bacon until crispy and transfer to a draining paper reserving bacon grease in pan. Using the same pan over medium heat add shallots and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft. Meanwhile dice bacon into small pieces. Boil red skin potatoes in a pot of salted water until cooked through and drain leaving skin on. Over medium high heat using a small pot bring milk to a simmer. Add two tablespoons butter and whisk together. If you have a ricer pass potatoes through ricer into pot with heated milk and stir adding a pinch of salt or as needed. If no ricer simply use a potato masher. Add sour cream, Asiago cheese, bacon and shallots and fold until blended remove from stove and hold. Melt remaining butter in a small pot. Preheat oven to 375. Using a small muffin tin, take a pastry brush and very lightly brush each muffin cup. Take 2 sheets of phyllo dough and cut into 4 inch squares, a total of 4 sheets per muffin cup. Place 2 phyllo dough squares in each cup and gently brush with a little melted butter. Add another 2 phyllo squares and place on top and again gently coat with melted butter. Using a tablespoon fill each cup with desired amount of potato mixture, and fold phyllo over top. Gently brush a little butter on top and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.


bacon recipe source: Michael Van Horn, The Social Chef, September 5, 2014 

3408. WHITE BEANS with BACON, POACHED EGGS and HARISSA BUTTER

makes two servings


2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
2 eggs
1 thick-cut bacon strip, cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 cup roughly chopped broccoli rabe
Kosher salt
One 14-ounce can cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
8 cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon harissa
Maldon or other flaked sea salt, for finishing


Line a plate with paper towels and set aside. Fill a saucepan two-thirds full with water and add the vinegar. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Crack the eggs one at a time into a small bowl, then slide them into the simmering water. Poach until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to the paper-towel-lined plate and set aside.

In a medium skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to the paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add the broccoli rabe and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring frequently, until the color brightens and the rabe softens a little, about 2 minutes. Transfer the rabe to a small bowl and set aside.

Add the reserved bacon, beans and tomatoes to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 2 minutes. (Don’t over-stir the mixture or you’ll crush the beans.)

Meanwhile, in a separate skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook, swirling the skillet occasionally, until the butter solids are brown and have a toasty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the harissa until combined.

Divide the bean mixture between two bowls and top with the rabe and the eggs. Drizzle the harissa butter over the eggs. Sprinkle each serving with a bit of flaked sea salt and serve immediately.


bacon recipe source: kvagner (member), epicurious.com, October 28, 2013; adapted from Put an Egg on It: 70 Delicious Dishes That Deserve a Sunny Topping, by Lara Ferroni (Sasquatch Books, 2013)

3407. HONEY MUSTARD BACON-WRAPPED FILET MIGNON

serves two


2 filet mignon
4 pieces of bacon
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 tablespoon orange juice
goat cheese, to garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Wrap each filet mignon with two pieces of bacon to cover all parts of the sides of filet mignon. Secure with toothpicks to help hold bacon in place.

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper on the tops and bottoms of each filet mignon.

Place a large saute pan over high heat. Once pan is hot, place each filet bacon side down on the pan. Cook the bacon on all sides. Once cooked, sear both top and bottom of the filet mignon for 2-3 minutes per side in the bacon fat, then place in oven and bake for 9-10 minutes for medium cooked.

While the meat is in the oven, mix together mustard, honey, and orange juice.

Top cooked filet mignon with goat cheese then pour sauce over each filet.


bacon recipe source: Angie Arnott, Aegis Team Crossfit, 6413 Burden Blvd., Pasco, Washington 99301, May 23, 2014

3406. BACON BAKLAVA with BOURBON HONEY SYRUP

makes 24 servings


3 cups pecan halves
1 cup pistachios
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 2/3 cups sugar, divided
3/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon slices
1 (16-oz.) package frozen phyllo pastry, thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup honey
1 (4- x 2-inch) lemon peel strip
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
1/4 cup bourbon

Preheat oven to 325º. Process first 3 ingredients and 2/3 cup sugar in a food processor until the texture of coarse meal. Add bacon; pulse 3 times.

Place 2 phyllo sheets in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan. Brush well with melted butter. Repeat with 10 sheets, brushing with butter between every 2 sheets. Sprinkle half of nut mixture (about 2 1/2 cups) over phyllo. Repeat phyllo layering with 12 sheets, brushing with butter between every 2 sheets. Sprinkle with remaining nut mixture. Top with 15 sheets, brushing with butter between every 2 sheets. Brush top with butter. Using a sharp knife, score baklava into 1 1/2-inch squares. Bake at 325º for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 300º, and bake 50 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, combine 1 cup water, honey, next 3 ingredients, and remaining 1 cup sugar in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Strain mixture into a 1-quart glass measuring cup. Stir in bourbon; cool completely (about 1 hour).

Pour syrup evenly over baked baklava. Cool to room temperature. Cover loosely with foil; let stand at room temperature at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.


bacon recipe source: Bourbon & Bacon: The Ultimate Guide to the South's Favorite Food Groups, by Morgan Murphy (@_MorganMurphy) and the Editors of Southern Living Magazine (Oxmoor House/Southern Living/Time House Entertainment, Inc., 2014)

3405. PIOPPINI MUSHROOM, BACON and COMTE FLATBREAD with FRESH SAGE

makes two flatbreads 


Dough
1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

¾ cup warm water (105° F to 115° F)

1 teaspoon honey

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 teaspoon kosher salt
olive oil for bowls

Toppings
1 head garlic, top ¼ cut off

3 strips thick cut bacon

½ cup olive oil, divided

1 medium sweet onion, cut in half and thinly sliced

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup dry white wine

½ lb pioppini mushrooms, bottom ends trimmed

1½ cups Comté cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped or chiffonade
fine cornmeal

Tools: Large pizza stone, pizza paddle

Preheat the oven to 450° F.
 
Dough: Whisk the yeast, warm water and honey together with two tablespoons of flour in a large bowl. Let rest until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If the mixture doesn’t foam, throw it away and start again with fresh yeast.)

Add the remaining flour and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough comes together in a ball. Kneed the dough for a few minutes in the bowl. Cut the dough in half and drizzle about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the bottom of two medium-size mixing bowls. Place one piece of dough in each bowl and roll it around to evenly coat with oil. Cover each bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let rest in a draft-free spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Toppings: Place the garlic head on a piece of foil, drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil and wrap tightly. Roast on the top shelf of the oven for 30 to 45 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly, then squeeze each clove to remove garlic.

Lay the bacon on a cutting board horizontally and cut it into ¼-inch strips. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden. Using a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add about 5 cloves of roasted garlic, white wine and salt and scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until the onions are a deep golden color. Transfer to a bowl.

Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to the same pan and sauté the mushrooms with a pinch of salt over medium-high heat until soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

To Serve: Lightly flour your work surface and scoop the dough out onto it. Cut the dough in half and gently round each piece out. Cover one dough ball loosely with plastic.

Roll the dough into a 1/8-inch thick round with a flour-dusted rolling pin. Lightly cover the pizza paddle with cornmeal and gently lay the dough on top. Slide the paddle back and forth to make sure the dough isn’t sticking anywhere. Cover the flatbread with half of the toppings and shake one more time to make sure you can easily slide the dough off the paddle. If it’s sticking anywhere, lift the dough in that area and add a little more cornmeal under the dough.

Place the paddle at a slight angle with the tip at the back of the pizza stone and gently shake the dough off the paddle onto the stone. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Remove from the oven and top with fresh sage. Let the flatbread cool slightly before cutting it.


bacon recipe source: Caroline Fey, The City Kitchen (San Francisco), October 31, 2011

3404. ADZUKI BEANS with BACON, MISO and KALE

makes 2 entrees or 4 side dishes


1 1/4 cups dried adzuki beans (or 2 cups cooked)
3 slices smoked bacon, cut into lardons
1 onion diced
2–3 large garlic cloves
1/2 Serrano pepper, finely minced
1 teaspoon miso paste
1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups raw shredded kale
feta or ricotta salada cheese
pinch of dried red pepper flakes

Soak beans overnight for a super quick simmer. Rinse the dried beans and place them in a large pot. Add enough water come up two inches above the beans, cover the pot, and go to bed. The following morning, drain off the beans, reserving the water. The water makes a great base for a vegetable broth, and in a pinch I’ve used it instead of broth. Cover the beans with water again, by about 1 inch, and simmer for 30 – 45 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

Fry the bacon lardons until crispy.

Drain off all by 2 tablespoons of bacon grease, and add the onion, garlic, and Serrano pepper. Sauté unless softened. Add the cooked beans, and miso paste, being sure to distribute the paste through the mixture. Stir for about one minute, and remove from the heat.

Add the rice vinegar, salt, and ground pepper.

Remove the center tough vein of the kale leaves and thinly slice the leaves horizontally. Stir the kale into the beans so that the heat of the beans wilts the leaves.

Optional: Sprinkle a little feta cheese and dried red pepper flakes on top.

bacon recipe source: Susan Pridmore, The Wimpy Vegetarian, March 2013

3403. BOILED PEANUT SOUP with BACON

serves four


1/4 lb. slab bacon or 4 slices thick-cut bacon, finely diced
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 1/2 large onions)
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups boiled peanuts, shelled
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (from twelve 5-inch sprigs)
1 1/2 cups two-percent milk
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
Kosher salt to taste
finely ground white pepper to taste

Scatter the diced bacon in a 12-inch skillet and saute over medium-high heat, moving the pieces around with a slotted spoon until the bacon is firm and just golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a small bowl. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat and discard.

Add the onion to the skillet and saute until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, peanuts, and 2 teaspoons thyme, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer vigorously, uncovered, until the peanuts have slipped their skins and the broth is reduced by one quarter, about 10 minutes.

Transfer some of the soup to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth, about 3 minutes. Repeat, processing in batches until all the soup is pureed. Pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot; you should have about 3 cups. Add the milk and vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and garnish each bowl with pinches of the remaining thyme leaves.


bacon recipe source: The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook: Stories and Recipes for Southerners and Would-Be Southerners, by Matt Lee & Ted Lee (NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006)

3402. PORK TENDERLOIN with BLUEBERRY-BACON BARBECUE SAUCE

serves six


For the sauce:
3 slices thick cut bacon, diced
1/2 cup minced shallots
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon stone ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the pork:
2 (1-1-1/4 pounds) pork tenderloins (2-2-1/4 pounds in all)
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Fry bacon on low until slightly crispy; remove bacon to a paper towel leaving the bacon grease in the pan.  Saute shallots and jalapeno in the bacon grease over medium heat until soft, about 2 minutes.  Add blueberries, sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, lemon juice and cooked bacon.  Simmer until blueberries have split and sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.

Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor; pulse until pureed.  Return sauce to pan so you can warm it slightly when the meat comes out of the oven.

For the pork, remove the silver skin, if any, from the pork tenderloin and season the meat generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Preheat oven to 425o F. Heat a large oven proof skillet (if you don’t have an oven proof skillet use a regular one, you will just have to transfer pork to a baking tray or dish for the oven) over high heat, then add oil. Add pork and sear on all sides, turning meat with tongs, about 2 minutes total.

Place meat thermometor in the thickest part of the tenderloin and place skillet or baking tray into the oven. Cook until thermometor reads 155o F (about 20 to 25 minutes) depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush a little of the sauce on the tops of the tenderloins, just enough to adhere to the meat.  Serve the rest of the sauce on the side.

Remove tenderloin from the oven and loosely tent with foil and let sit at least 5 minutes before cutting on a diagonal into 1/2″ thick pieces and serve.


bacon recipe source: Cathy Pollak, Noble Pig, March 13, 2012

3401. BACON BLUEBERRY SCONES

makes eight servings


2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk 

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk and oil; add to crumb mixture just until moistened. Stir in blueberries and bacon. 

Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Pat into an 8-in. circle. Cut into eight wedges. Separate wedges and place on a greased baking sheet. 

In a small bowl, beat egg and milk; brush over scones. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. 


bacon recipe source: Taste of Home.com

3400. ROASTED SWEET SUMMER CORN with MISO BUTTER, BACON and ROASTED ONIONS

serves four


2 heaping tablespoons shiro (white) miso
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 slices smoky bacon, cut crosswise into 1- to 1/2-inch-long batons (1 cup)
1 tablespoon grapeseed or other neutral oil
4 cups corn kernels (cut from 4 to 5 cobs)
heaping 1/4 cup roasted onions
1/2 cup ramen broth
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup sliced scallions (greens and whites)

Make the miso butter: Combine with the miso with the butter in a small bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until well mixed; the butter should be one color, not a streaky mess. Reserve until needed.

Heat at 10- to 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat for a minute or so, until very warm. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it shrinks to about half its original size and browns but does not overly crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Drain the bacon fat from the pan (reserve it for another use if you like) and return the pan to the stove.

Turn the heat to high and add the oil to the pan. When the oil smokes, add the corn to the pan. Saute, agitating the pan or stirring the corn with a spoon, until it turns bright yellow and just a few of the kernels start to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. (If the corn makes a popping noise like popcorn when it hits the pan, ease the heat back down to medium-high.)

Add the bacon and roasted onions to the pan and stir to combine. Add the broth, miso butter, a tiny pinch of salt, and 7 or 8 turns of black pepper. Glaze the corn with the butter and broth by tossing it in the pan or stirring until the butter has melted, the corn is glossy with the sauce, and there's no broth pooled in the bottom of the pan, just a minute or two.

Transfer the corn to serving bowls, scatter with the sliced scallions, and serve hot or warm.


bacon recipe source: Momofuku, by David Chang and Peter Meehan (NY: Clarkson Potters/Publishers, 2009)

3399. ASPARAGUS and TOMATO-BACON STEW

serves six


3 oz. applewood-smoked slab or thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch by 1/4-inch lardons
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
one 14 oz. can San Marzano whole tomatoes
canola oil (optional)
2 1/2 lb. large asparagus, trimmed and peeled
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken stock
extra-virgin olive oil

Pour 2 tablespoons water into a medium saucepan and set over medium heat (the water will keep the bacon from crisping as the fat begins to render). Add the bacon, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the bacon render its fat for 30 minutes. The bacon will color but not become completely crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.

Pour all all but 1-2 tablespoons fat from the pan, reserving the extra fat. Set the pan over medium heat, add the leeks, onion, and garlic to the fat, stir to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Add the tomatoes, with their juice, bring to a simmer, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Transfer half of the mixture to a food processor and puree. Stir the tomatoes back into the pan, return to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. (The larger tomatoes will break down and the stew will have the texture of a thick tomato sauce.) Stir in the bacon and reduce the heat to low.

Heat a large frying pan that will hold half the asparagus in a single layer over medium-low heat. Pour a film of the reserved bacon fat or canola oil into the pan. Arrange half the asparagus in the pan, our 3 tablespoons of the stock over it, and sprinkle with salt. Cook until the asparagus is tender but not limp, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with additional salt to taste and arrange the asparagus on a platter. Repeat with the remaining asparagus.

Spoon the sauce in a band across the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil.


bacon recipe source: ad hoc at home, by Thomas Keller, with Dave Cruz. NY: Artisan/Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2009

3398. CHEESY BACON and REFRIED BEANS QUESADILLAS

makes eight servings 


1 package (11 oz) flour tortillas (8 inch) 
1 cup canned refried beans 
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz) 
1/2 lb. bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled  
2 scallions, chopped butter, melted 

1 cup sour cream

1 cup salsa

 

Top half of each tortilla with beans, cheese, bacon and scallions. Fold tortilla over filling; press down with back of pancake turner. Lightly brush melted butter on both sides of each filled tortilla. Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 filled tortillas at a time 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and heated through. Cut into wedges. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, MN 55440

3397. BACON COLLAR with CIDER and APPLE BUTTER

serves 4-6 


1-2 tablespoons olive oil  
2.25 kg bacon collar, rolled and tied 
1 bottles cider 
500 ml chicken stock 
3 bay leaves 
3 sprigs thyme 
120 grams butter 
2 onions, finely chopped 
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped into chunks 
200 grams Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced

Preheat the oven to 160C/325F.

Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof casserole dish. Season the bacon collar with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sear in the hot dish until golden-brown all over.

Pour in two-thirds of the cider and all of the stock. Bring to a simmer and add two of the bay leaves and the leaves from two sprigs of the thyme. Place into the oven and cook for an hour and a half, or until the bacon collar is tender. Remove from the oven and set aside to rest.

Melt 20g (1 1/3 tablespoons) of the butter in a large frying pan and fry the onions for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the apples and the remaining herbs and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in the remaining cider and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and the apples have broken down.

Add a few spoonfuls of the cooking juices from the pork into the pan with the apples. Beat 80g of the butter into the apples until well combined.

Meanwhile, tip the cabbage into a large pan and place over a high heat. Add a dash of water along with the remaining butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the leaves begin to soften.

Remove the pork from the casserole and slice. Serve with the buttered cabbage and a few spoonfuls of the apple butter. Drizzle over some more bacon cooking juices.


bacon recipe source: Matt Tebbutt, Market Kitchen, Good Food Channel/UK-TV

3396. THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER

yields 8-10 servings


24 medium-size quahog clams, usually rated "top neck" or "cherrystone," rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 lb. slab bacon or salt pork, diced
2 leeks, tops removed, halved and cleaned, then sliced into half moons
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups cream
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Put the clams in a large, heavy Dutch oven, add about 4 cups of water, then set over medium-high heat. Cover, and cook until clams have opened, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (Clams that fail to open after 15 to 20 minutes should be discarded). Strain clam broth through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or doubled-up paper towels, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside as well.

Rinse out the pot, and return it to the stove. Add butter, and turn heat to medium-low. Add bacon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon has started to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon from fat, and set aside.

Add the leeks to the fat, and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes and wine, and continue cooking until wine has evaporated and the potatoes have just started to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add enough clam broth to just cover the potatoes, approximately 3 cups, reserving the rest for another use. Add the thyme and the bay leaf.

Partly cover the pot, and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop the clams into bits about the size of the bacon dice.

When potatoes are tender, add cream and stir in chopped clams and reserved bacon. Add black pepper to taste. Let come to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let the chowder come to a full boil). Fish out the thyme and the bay leaf, and discard.

The chowder should be allowed to sit for a while to cure. Reheat it to a bare simmer before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.


bacon recipe source: Sam Sifton, "Founding Fodder," The New York Times Magazine, August 10, 2014

3395. BACON JALAPENO DEVILED EGGS

12 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled
1 cup mayonnaise
1½ teaspoons rice vinegar
¾ teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon sugar
2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
6 pieces bacon, cooked, crisp, and crumbled
paprika

Slice the hard boiled eggs in half, lengthwise. Remove the yolks and put them in a mixing bowl. Mash the egg yolks with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, ground mustard, and sugar to the mashed egg yolks and stir until well combined. Mix in the jalapenos and bacon. Put the mixture in a ziploc bag and cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Fill each egg hole with the mixture. Sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve.


bacon recipe source: Real Housemoms, March 20, 2013

3394. SWEET POTATO BACON ASIAGO AU GRATIN

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk of choice
3/4 cup Asiago cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh chives, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
4-5 slices of bacon,
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place sliced potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, add pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet cook bacon strips until crisp, and crumble.  Reserve bacon grease and keep warm in skillet. Add diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook for another minute constantly stirring.

Gradually add milk and whisk until well blended. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and asiago cheese, chives, salt, pepper, and bacon.

Arrange half potato slices in a 8 inch square baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the sliced potatoes. Top with remaining potato slices and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for about 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.

Garnish with extra sliced chives.


bacon recipe source: Kim Rosenberger, Kim's Healthy Eats, December 26, 2013

3393. ORZO with BACON and ASPARAGUS

yields three servings 


6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
1 (14-oz.) can fat-free chicken broth with 1/3 less sodium 
6 1/2 oz. (1 cup) uncooked orzo or rosamarina (rice-shaped pasta) 
8 oz. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces 
1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers (from a jar) 
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded fresh Asiago or Parmesan cheese

 

Cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Reserve bacon and 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet. Add broth; bring to a boil. Add orzo. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 5 minutes. Add asparagus and roasted peppers; cover and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until orzo and asparagus are tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese.

 

 

bacon recipe courtesy of: Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, MN 55440

3392. CHAR-GRILLED LOUISIANA OYSTERS with BACON-ANCHOVY BUTTER

serves 12


72 Louisiana oysters
1 3/4 lb unsalted butter, divided
1½ cups bacon, applewood smoked, thick cut, small dice
2 tablespoons anchovy fillets, oil marinated, mashed to paste
6 tablespoons garlic, minced
3/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons Tabasco® brand pepper sauce
9 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
2¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup parmesan
3 tablespoons smoked paprika

Prepare and light charcoal grill or preheat gas grill.

Combine 1½ lb. butter, bacon, anchovy fillets, garlic, bourbon, Tabasco and 6 tablespoons lemon juice in medium saucepan. Bring to simmer and cook slowly for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.

Clean outside of Louisiana oysters to remove any loose debris. Shuck oysters. Strain oyster liquid into container and add shucked oysters. Reserve bottom half of shell and discard top half.

Melt remaining ¼ butter in sauté pan. Add breadcrumbs and cook while stirring constantly until slightly browned. Remove from heat and reserve.

Place bottom half of shells on grill. Add small amount of bacon-anchovy butter sauce to each shell. Allow shells and sauce to heat up. Spoon 1 oyster into each shell and top with more sauce and a little oyster liquid. Cook until edges of oyster begin to curl up. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, Parmesan and smoked paprika. Continue to cook until breadcrumbs brown slightly and oysters are cooked, but not overcooked.

To finish, drizzle each oyster with some of the remaining 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.


bacon recipe source: Louisiana Seafood, 1051 North Third Street, 3rd Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

3391. ARUGULA TARTINE with BACON, FETA and TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

makes 1 serving


1 large egg
1 thick slice sourdough bread
2 oz feta
3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup arugula
1 tablespoon tarragon vinaigrette (recipe below)

Tartine assembly: Toast sourdough bread until slightly browned and crispy. In a small bowl, toss arugula with tarragon vinaigrette until coated. Top sourdough bread with arugula, and sprinkle with bacon and cheese.

Fried egg: Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook egg until whites are set and edges begin to curl. At this point the yolk will still be slightly runny. Place egg atop tartine and serve warm.

Tarragon Vinaigrette Dressing
1 tablespoon fresh shallot, minced
4 teaspoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh tarragon, minced
1/4 cup good quality olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a small non reactive bowl, whisk to combine vinegar, mustard, shallot, tarragon, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Slowly pour in olive oil and whisk to emulsify.


bacon recipe source: a Better Happiness St. Sebastian, July 1, 2014

3390. GRILLED BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN with SUN GOLD CHERRY TOMATO SAUCE and AVOCADO

makes four servings


2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to ½ inch thick
4 slices of thick applewood bacon
1 pint of sun gold cherry tomatoes, each sliced in half
1 garlic clove, minced
1 avocado, thinly sliced
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh basil, torn
salt
pepper

Preheat the grill to medium low heat.

Drizzle a little oil over each chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Gently and loosely wrap each breast with 1 slice of bacon. Place the chicken on the grill and let cook for approximately 10 minutes per side or until the chicken is opaque and the bacon is crispy.

While the chicken is cooking, add 1 tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in tomatoes and slowly cook them until they have broken down and released their juices. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in basil.

Plate chicken. Pour sauce over top and garnish with avocado.


bacon recipe source: Nicole, A Family That Eats Together, June 28, 2013

3389. POACHED EGGS with BACON CRUMBS and SPINACH

makes four first-course servings 


2 ounces day-old baguette, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
1/4 pound bacon, minced (1 1/4 cups) 
Kosher salt 
freshly ground pepper 
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
10 ounces baby spinach 
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 
4 large eggs 
freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish 

In a food processor, pulse the baguette pieces until coarse crumbs form. In a medium skillet, toast the crumbs over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8 minutes. Transfer the bread crumbs to a medium bowl. 

Wipe out the skillet. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, then stir the bacon into the bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper. 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the spinach and 3 tablespoons of water and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the spinach to a bowl and season with salt and pepper; keep warm. 

Meanwhile, bring a large, deep skillet of water to a simmer over moderate heat. Add the white vinegar and a generous pinch of salt. Crack the eggs into a small bowl, one at a time, and carefully slide into the simmering water. Poach the eggs over moderate heat until the whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny, about 4 minutes. Transfer the poached eggs to paper towels to drain. 

Transfer the spinach to plates. Top with the eggs, a sprinkle of bacon crumbs and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve. 


bacon recipe source: Marcelo Betancourt, Food & Wine, May 2013