3838. SEARED SCALLOPS with BACON in LEMON BUTTER SAUCE

Yield: 4 servings


5 strips bacon, chopped
1 lb scallops
salt and pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons white wine or more lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, softened but not melted
parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until cooked.

Dry scallops with paper towels. Season with a very small amount of salt and pepper. (use small amount of salt, as you will be adding bacon which is already salty).

Heat the large skillet until very hot, add 2 tablespoon of olive oil and immediately add scallops. Sear on high heat, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet.

Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of white wine (or more lemon juice). Scrape the bottom of the pan.

Remove the pan from the heat, add 2 tablespoons of softened butter (not melted) to the lemon sauce, and stir, to create a creamy sauce. Add chopped bacon. Add back scallops. Top with chopped parsley.


bacon recipe source: Julia, Julia's Album (@JuliasAlbum), October 3, 2015

3837. SAUTEED WHITEBAIT with CREAMED ASPARAGUS and CRISPY BACON

Serves: 4



200g whitebait

1 rasher bacon, cut into fine strips

Stalk of 1 bunch of asparagus, chopped, blanche the tips of the asparagus in salted water for 5minutes, then cool down and keep aside

100ml cream

1/2 onion, chopped

1garlic clove, crushed

Salt/pepper to taste

1/2 punnet of micro cress

1 Tbsp oil

1 tsp butter

In a pot put oil and sweat the onion, garlic, then add the asparagus stalk, cover with water and simmer slowly for about 20 minutes.

Once cooked put into a blender and puree until smooth. Add cream, salt pepper to taste and pass through a fine sieve. Set aside and keep warm.

In a pan, sautee off the strip of bacon. When crispy, add butter and then the whitebait. Sautee off quickly and keep aside.

In a soup bowl put 2 or 3 asparagus tips at the bottom. Froth the asparagus cream with a hand blender, pour the froth around then arrange whitebait and bacon on top of asparagus tip, forming a little mount. Garnish with microcress and serve. 


bacon recipe source: Good Morning, TVNZ, New Zealand, October 24, 2011

3836. PACIFIC COAST SALMON ROLLS with BACON and FENNEL TARTAR SAUCE

makes two servings


3 rashers bacon
½ bulb fennel, cored and trimmed
250 grams sockeye salmon fillets, no bones or skin
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper
buns
lettuce
red onion

Preheat the oven to 375° F.

Cut the bacon into ¼ strips and dice the fennel. Toss the bacon and fennel together in a small pan, and cook, stirring 3-4 times for 30 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the fennel tender, but not brown.

Drain the bacon and fennel mixture on paper toweling. When completely cool, stir the mixture into the mayonnaise along with the cilantro and lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cut the salmon into 1 to 2” cubes, toss with the olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.

In the bottom of a double boiler with a steamer insert, bring about 1” of water to the boil. Place the salmon in the steamer, ensuring no pieces overlap. Cover, reduce the heat to med. and steam for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the salmon is firm to the touch and just before beads of white fat appear on its surface (see note). Remove to a plate and cool completely.

Serve on soft rolls with lettuce, red onion and plenty of tartar sauce.


bacon recipe source: Theresa CarleSanders (@islandvittles), Island Vittles, August 28, 2012

3835. SAUERKRAUT with BACON and APPLES

Serves 4 to 6


1/4 pound sliced apple-wood smoked bacon
2 tart apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and grated
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon caraway seeds, ground
3 cups unfiltered apple juice
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 pounds of refrigerated (in a jar, not can), prepared sauerkraut, drained (about 1 24-fluid-ounce jar, drained)

Lay the slices of bacon down at the bottom of a large, thick-bottomed pot and heat on medium heat. Cook until the bacon has browned and most of the bacon fat has been rendered, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set on paper towels to drain. Remove all but 1 Tbsp of the fat in the pot. (Do not pour down the sink, bacon fat will clog your drain!) Chop the bacon and set aside.

Add the chopped onions and apples to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent, about 6-7 minutes. Add the garlic and caraway and cook for a minute more.

Add the apple juice and the white vinegar to the pot. Increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously until the liquid is reduced to a syrup, about 5 minutes.

Add the sauerkraut and bacon to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauerkraut has been heated through and is tender, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.


bacon recipe source: Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes (@simplyrecipes), October 4, 2007

3834. RELISH and BACON PINWHEEL SCONES

Makes: 18-20


3 cups self-rising flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

50 grams butter, diced

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2-3/4 cup relish

3-4 rashers bacon, diced

1 cup grated cheese

Preheat the oven to 240ºC/450ºF. Grease or line a baking tray with baking paper. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl and use your fingertips to rub in the butter. Make a well in the centre, pour in the milk and use a knife to mix quickly together to make a soft dough.  Turn out onto a lightly floured board and bring together. Roll out to a 25- x 35-cm rectangle. Brush a 1-cm wide strip around the edge with milk. Spread the relish over the dough and scatter over the bacon and cheese.  Roll up from the long edge to make a tight roll. Cut into 2-cm wide slices and place on the prepared tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until well risen and golden. When the centre pinwheel is split open it should be light and well cooked, not doughy. Transfer to a cake rack and serve warm with butter, if wished.


bacon recipe source: Allyson Gofton, Good Morning, TVNZ, New Zealand

3833. MCINTOSH MAPLE CRUMBLE with CANDIED BACON

YIELD: 6 to 8 Servings


Candied Bacon
16 Applewood smoked bacon strips
1/2 cup raw cane sugar, to coat
Smoke cayenne pepper, for sprinkling
 
Maple-Apple Filling
6 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cubed
1/4 cup maple liqueur or real maple syrup
1/2 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise and seeds scraped
Pinch nutmeg

Crumble
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup walnuts, crushed
1/2 cup brown sugar
Pinch sea salt
1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

To make the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper, set aside.



Lay the bacon strips on a wire rack and coat evenly with raw sugar. Lightly press the sugar into the bacon, sprinkle them with smoked cayenne pepper and transfer them onto the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 12 minutes or until deep red and caramelized. Check on the bacon frequently, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Use tongs to remove the candied bacon from the baking sheet and transfer the slices onto a wire rack. Cool completely.

To make the filling: In a baking dish, combine the apples, maple liqueur, vanilla bean seeds, and nutmeg. Mix ingredients together to combine.

To make the crumble: Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. In a big bowl, add the flour, rolled oats, crushed walnuts, brown sugar, and sea salt. Mix these ingredients together and then cut in the cold butter pieces, using a pastry cutter. Evenly distribute the crumble over the apple mixture and bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Place the crumble in bowls and top each bowl with 2 slices of candied bacon. Serve with a shot of cinnamon schnapps. Or not.


bacon recipe source: Nadia G, "Makeup Meal," Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen, Cooking Channel TV

3832. PAN FRIED MONKFISH with BACON, SWEETCORN and PEAS

Serves: 6


900g skinned, boned monkfish or any other firm white fish, cut into large pieces

Flour for dusting

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 rashers rindless bacon, diced 2cm

4 shallots, thinly sliced

75ml dry white wine

1 cup sweetcorn kernels (you'll need one large cob if using fresh; frozen corn is also fine), blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes

1 cup peas

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

100ml cream

1 tablespoon chopped chives

Put a large frying pan over moderate heat. Dust the fish lightly with flour. Add the oil to the pan and when hot but not smoking, panfry the fish until browned and just cooked through.Remove the fish from the pan and keep warm. Pour the fat from the pan and add the bacon and shallots. Fry gently for about 5 minutes until the shallots are soft.

Add the wine and let it bubble for 30 seconds. Add the corn, peas, zest and cream and bring to the boil. Boil for 3 minutes or until the liquid has reduced a little. Add the lemon juice then taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve over the fish, with everything sprinkled with chives.


bacon recipe source: Ray McVinnie, Cuisine, Stuff.co.nz, October 29, 2015

3831. ROSEMARY and GARLIC BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

6 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
6 strips of thick cut bacon
1 Tbs of fresh rosemary leaves, minced
5-6 garlic cloves, minced

Line a large baking pan with foil and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Start by removing the skin from the chicken drumsticks. We are adding bacon to them after all so you want to remove the fat you can!

Next sprinkle on minced garlic and rosemary, turn over, and season other side as well.

Now to mummify them in bacon! Starting at the end of the drumstick, pinch one end of the bacon strip around the bone, and tightly wrap it around the entire piece. Place it in the baking pan and repeat with remaining drumsticks.

Once you’re finished, sprinkle any remaining minced garlic and a few rosemary leaves and place in the oven.

Bake for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.


bacon recipe source: Sasha Erickson, Tattooed Martha (@TattooedMartha), December 17, 2012

3830. SOFT-BOILED DUCK EGG with BACON and ASPARAGUS SOLDIERS

Serves 4


8 asparagus spears (about 300g), woody ends discarded

4 long thin slices rustic bread (preferably sourdough)

8 rashers smoked streaky bacon

4 duck egg

Heat your grill to high. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus spears and discard. Cut the bread into 12 soldiers, a little shorter than the asparagus.

Place a spear onto each soldier and wrap tightly with a rasher of bacon. Place on a baking tray, season and grill for 15 mins or until the bacon is crisp.

Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and simmer the duck eggs for about 7 mins, to get a runny yolk and a cooked white. Serve immediately with the warm soldiers for dipping. 

bacon recipe source: Barney Desmazery, Good Food Magazine, May 2013

3829. CITRUS PRAWN CEVICHE with BACON DUST

Makes: 6 as canapés or 4 as starters


200 g small prawns, deveined and shelled
1 spring onion, finely chopped
½ tsp (2.5 ml) chillies, finely chopped
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
zest and juice of 1 orange
zest and juice of 1 grapefruit
1 orange segmented
3 Tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
½ C (125 ml) coriander leaves, chopped
1 avocado, diced
2 Tbsp (30 ml) cultured cream
6 slices streaky bacon, fried until crispy and finely chopped
micro herbs, for garnish

Toss the prawns, spring onion, chillies, paprika, cayenne pepper, orange juice and zest, grapefruit juice and zest, orange segments and lemon juice together. Place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. The acidity of citrus juices will ‘cook’ the prawns. They are ready once they are firm and opaque in colour. Stir in the coriander and diced avocado. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, use a slotted spoon to spoon the mixture into serving glasses. Add a spoonful or two of the citrus liquid. Add a dollop of cultured cream, some bacon bits and garnish with micro herbs.


bacon recipe source: Illanique Van Aswegen, Crush Magazine (@crush_online), (Issue 47), 5th Floor Jaga House, 61 Wale Street, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001

3828. BACON CINNAMON BUNS

For the dough
2 1/4 cup + 1 cup all purpose flour
1 envelope instant yeast
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup margarine
1 egg

For the filling
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup chopped bacon [reserve 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top]

For the glaze
1 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook mix 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Heat milk, water, margarine until warm and add to the flour mixture followed by the egg.

Once the mixture begins to come together add the remaining 1 cup of flour until a soft dough is formed.

Knead dough for 5-10 minutes then let rest for an hour, covered.

Once the dough has doubled in size roll into a thin square and begin to add the filling.

Start with the margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon and lastly the bacon bits.

Roll dough and cut into 2 inch slices.

Place in a 9x12 square baking dish and let rest a second time for 30 minutes, covered.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

While the cinnamon buns are baking, make the glaze by whisking the icing sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk in a mixing bowl. to get to desired consistency either add more icing sugar or more milk.

Brush the cinnamon buns with the glaze hot from the oven and sprinkle with remaining bacon bits.


bacon recipe source: Hey Modest Marce (@modestmarce), May 23, 2015

3827. CARAMELIZED NECTARINES with BACON

Servings: 2-4


2 slices bacon
2 nectarines
¼ cup sugar

Preheat oven to 500º F. Slice bacon in half length-wise, so the strip is half as wide, then dice. In a medium frying pan over medium-low heat, add diced bacon and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until nearly cooked. Do not cook completely. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the grease. Pat the bacon as dry as possible. Once dried from the grease, chop bacon into very small pieces. Set aside. Slice your nectarines in half and remove the pits. Place in a medium-sized oven-safe pan or dish. Sprinkle sugar onto nectarines. Put in oven for one minute. Take pan out of the oven, sprinkle bacon onto each nectarine, and top with more sugar (this is the caramelized bacon part!) Place back in oven for about 5 minutes or until sugar is melted and bacon is fully cooked. Top with ice cream.


bacon recipe source: Annie Trimber, aka The Bacon Princess (@annietrimber), Spoon University, June 4, 2015

3826. BACON and CAPSICUM BREAD PUDDING

serves 6


3 bacon rashers, rind removed, chopped
1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
1/2 500g loaf sourdough vienna bread
1/3 cup char-grilled capsicum, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs, at room temperature
2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 180°C/350ºF. Grease and line a 22cm (base measurement) square cake pan or 2-litre (8-cup) ovenproof dish with baking paper.

Heat a medium frying pan over moderate heat. Add bacon and onion. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes, or until onion is soft and bacon is lightly browned.

Trim off bread crust at ends and base. Cut bread into 3cm cubes. Arrange half the bread over base of prepared pan. Top with half each of the bacon mixture, capsicum, parsley and cheese. Repeat layers.
Whisk eggs and milk in a large jug. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over bread mixture in pan. Press bread down lightly. Stand 5 minutes.

Bake 30 minutes, or until golden and set at centre. Remove from oven. Stand pudding in pan 5 minutes before cutting. Serve.


bacon recipe source: Food To Love (@foodtoloveau), via The Australian Women's Weekly

3825. WARM CHARD SALAD with BACON-CLEMENTINE VINAIGRETTE

Yield: 4


4 slices thick-cut bacon
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 large bunches of swiss chard (about 20 oz.)
4 clementines, juiced
3 clementines, peeled, segmented and cut in half
1/2 tsp. honey
1 1/2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 c pecans, toasted
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper

Heat a large skillet on medium-low and add bacon. Cook until browned and crisp, turning once (about 10 minutes). Set aside.

Remove bacon drippings from pan, reserving 2 Tbsp.

Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to pan and reduce heat to low.

Add shallots to pan and cook, stirring often, until brown and tender (15-20 min).
While shallots cook, cut chard into a chiffonade: remove stems and center vein. Stack leaves on top of one another and roll up like a cigar. Slice the roll in thin strips and place in a large bowl.

When shallots are finished, remove from pan and add to bowl with chard, tossing to combine.

To the hot skillet, add clementine juice and honey and cook, stirring, until reduced by half, about 1 minute.

Add vinegar and reserved bacon fat to skillet, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir.

Add chard and shallots to the pan and cook until chard is just wilted, about 1 minute.

Return contents of skillet to the bowl. Top with toasted pecans, goat cheese, clementine segments, and additional cracked black pepper.


bacon recipe source: Allison, The Ranger's Daughter

3824. MIXED GREEN SALAD with POMEGRANATE, DATES and BACON

Makes: 6 servings


1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
5 cups torn escarole
5 cups torn green-leaf lettuce
2 clementines, peeled, halved and sliced
1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
3 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Combine buttermilk, Parmesan, mayonnaise, vinegar, shallot, salt and pepper in a mini food processor or blender; process until smooth.

Toss escarole and lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter and top with clementines, dates, pomegranate seeds and bacon.


bacon recipe source: EatingWell (120 Graham Way, Suite 100, Shelburne, VT 05482), November/December 2014

3823. BACON-CHANTERELLE LAMB ROAST

Servings will vary depending on size of lamb


1 3-4 lb. lamb shoulder roast (with or without bone)
4 slices bacon, roughly chopped
Couple handfuls chanterelle mushrooms, roughly chopped (about 2-3 cups)
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary
sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

If using a clay pot, fill the sink with warm water and submerge it. Preheat oven to 300°F. Take lamb roast out of the oven to take the chill off of it. Sprinkle liberally with S&P on all sides.

Meanwhile, throw bacon, chanterelles, garlic, shallot, and rosemary into a food processor. Pulse everything together into a paste. Scrape the contents of the bowl into a sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat until fat renders from bacon and the mushroomy bits are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.

Place lamb in clay pot or roasting pan. Coat with a thick layer of the mushroom-bacon mixture on all sides. Put it in the oven.

I like to check the roast every hour, so I set the timer accordingly, resetting it for another hour as necessary. Check the internal temp with a thermometer, and when it reaches 150°F, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. My bone-in roast was pretty small, and so it only took about 2 1/2 hours.

Slice meat thinly, ladle some of the cooking juices over the slices, and serve it up.


bacon recipe source: The Paleo Periodical, November 15, 2012

3822. SOFT PRETZEL and BACON STUFFING with MUSTARD and BEER

Servings: 8


10 heaping cups pretzel bread, cubed

1 (16 oz) package bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup beer

2 large eggs
2 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 200˚F. Spread out pretzel cubes on baking sheets and bake about 1 hour, until bread dries out, flipping bread cubes halfway through. Remove bread; set aside to cool and increase oven temperature to 375˚F.



In large sauté pan, fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and place on paper towel-lined plate to cool. Drain off 1/4 cup bacon grease from pan; set aside. Add onion and celery to pan with remaining bacon grease and cook over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.



In medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, beer, eggs, honey and mustard. 


In greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, gently combine bread cubes, bacon, parsley, and onion/celery mixture. Pour broth mixture over top and toss gently to coat. Pour reserved bacon grease over top; bake 40 minutes. 


bacon recipe source: Molly Yeh (@mollyyeh); Jones Dairy Farm, 800 Jones Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

3821. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SOUP with AGED CHEDDAR and BACON

Serves: 4-6


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

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

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

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

Scrape the onion/garlic mixture into a large saucepan.

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

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

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

Stir in the cheese, stirring until melted completely.

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

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

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


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

3820. BACON & BROWN SUGAR OLD FASHIONED

Serves: 1 drink


1 tsp brown sugar simple syrup*
1 orange wedge
2 dashes bitters
2 oz bacon infused bourbon (see recipe here)
1 cocktail cherry

In an old fashioned glass gently muddle the brown sugar simple syrup, bitters and orange wedge, taking care not to muddle the orange peel.

Fill glass with ice, pour in bacon infused bourbon and garnish with a cherry.

*To make brown sugar simple syrup, combine equal parts brown sugar and water. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Allow to chill thoroughly before using.


bacon recipe source: Nicole, The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie (@marvelousfoodie), June 2013

3819. CURLY ENDIVE SALAD with BACON and POACHED EGGS

Servings: 4


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

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

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

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

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


bacon recipe source: Food & Wine, August 2012

3818. BUCATINI with BACON, KALE and WINTER SQUASH

Servings: 4


For the fried sage (optional):
1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) olive oil
8 to 10 fresh sage leaves


1 butternut, kabocha or calabaza squash, peeled, seeded and sliced into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 oz. (375 g) bucatini
3 oz. (90 g) bacon, diced
1 large shallot, sliced into 1/8-inch (3-mm) rings
1 bunch Tuscan kale, stemmed and leaves cut crosswise into 1/4-inch (3-mm) ribbons
4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) white wine
2 fresh sage leaves
1 Tbs. heavy cream
2 Tbs. pine nuts, toasted
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

To fry the sage leaves, in a small fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Carefully drop the sage leaves, a few at a time, into the oil. They will sizzle and crisp very quickly, in 15 to 30 seconds. Using a fork or small skimmer, transfer the fried sage leaves to a paper towel–lined plate.



On a baking sheet, toss the squash with the olive oil, 2 tsp. salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer and roast until tender, about 25 minutes.



While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot three-fourths full of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta.



While the pasta is cooking, in a sauté pan large enough to accommodate the pasta and squash later, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the shallot to the pan and cook until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the kale, 1/2 tsp. salt and 2 Tbs. water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl.



In the same pan, warm the butter until melted. Add the garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and fresh sage leaves to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the liquid is slightly thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the sage leaves from the pan and discard. Stir in the cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the squash, bacon, kale mixture and cooked pasta to the pan and toss until well combined, warming the mixture over medium heat if the vegetables are no longer warm.



Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with the fried sage and pine nuts. Serve immediately, passing the cheese at the table.


bacon recipe source: Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen, Williams-Sonoma (@WilliamsSonoma)

3817. TORCHIETTE with BACON, BEER and CHEESE SAUCE

Serves: 4 to 6


2 tbsp white onion
1 clove garlic
1/4 red pepper
pinch fresh thyme
2 slices bacon
1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup beer (can substitute with milk)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
kosher salt (to taste)
white pepper (to taste)
salt (1 tsp per L/qt of water)
400 g torchietti pasta (about 13 oz)
4 oz aged cheddar (2 cups)

Preparing Your Mise en Place: To start your mise en place, first bring a pot of cold water to a boil to cook the pasta.  Dice the onion and émincé the garlic. Finely dice the red pepper and roughly chop the thyme. Next, dice the bacon or cut it into lardons. Lastly, measure out the butter, flour, milk and beer, and gather the seasonings.

Making the Sauce | Mornay Sauce: Heat a heavy sauce pan over medium heat and add the butter and bacon. Let the bacon cook until the fat renders (melts). The bacon should almost be cooked but not browned. Then add the onion, garlic and red pepper and gently cook, turning the heat down to medium-low to avoid any browning. Cook until the onion and garlic begin to soften and release their flavors. Then season with the paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, if desired. Next, sprinkle the mixture with the flour and stir to form a roux. Let this cook gently for about 2 minutes, being careful not to let the bottom scorch or burn. Then add the beer and stir to combine. Add the milk a bit at a time to temper it. This will prevent lumps from forming. Continue until all of the milk has been incorporated. Finally, add the thyme. Turn the heat up to medium, if needed, to bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally and let cook for about 10 minutes or so. While the sauce cooks, go ahead and cook the pasta. You now have a flavored variation of a classic béchamel sauce.

Cooking the Pasta: To cook the pasta, add the salt to the boiling water and stir. Then add the pasta and stir to prevent it from sticking together. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or according to the instructions on the package. For this dish, the pasta should not be al dente, as you want a soft texture.
While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese and stir the sauce occasionally. Test the pasta and once it is just cooked through, reserve a bit of the cooking water (in case you need to thin the sauce out later).
Next, turn off the heat and add some cold water to the pot of pasta. This will slow the cooking process so you can finish the sauce.

Finishing the Cheese Sauce: To finish the sauce, turn off the heat and temper in the grated cheddar by adding it a little bit at a time. Stir each time until the cheese melts. By adding a bit of cheese at a time, you prevent the sauce from splitting. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Finishing the Dish: To finish the dish, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Then pour the sauce over top and gently fold everything together. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water. Taste for seasoning, serve immediately and enjoy.


bacon recipe source: Tony M (British Columbia), Rouxbe Cooking School

3816. BACON and EGGS with RED CHILE and HONEY

makes 8 tacos


10 ounces bacon
5 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons red chile powder
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
9 large eggs, whisked
8 (5 1/2-inch) soft yellow corn tortillas, for serving
Garnish: strips of roasted sweet red bell peppers or red chiles

Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Line a plate with paper towels and have ready.

In a large, heavy skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until about three-quarters done, about 7 minutes. Add the honey and red chile powder and toss the bacon evenly to coat. Remove from the heat and strain off and reserve any excess honey and bacon grease from the pan. Transfer the bacon to a baking sheet and bake in the oven 5 minutes; remove the bacon to the prepared plate to drain.

Preheat a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Melt the butter, then pour in the eggs immediately after. Cook the eggs until they are done, but not dry, gently stirring and turning them over with a wooden spatula to cook evenly, about 6 minutes.

To serve, lay the tortillas side by side, open face and overlapping on a platter. Divide the egg mixture equally between the tortillas and top with the bacon strips, red pepper or chile strips, salsa, and a sprinkling of cilantro. Or build your own taco: lay a tortilla, open face, in one hand. Spoon on some egg mixture, and top with bacon, pepper or chile strips, salsa, and a sprinkling of cilantro. Fold and eat right away. For a sweeter taco, pour any excess honey and bacon grease over the filling.


bacon recipe source: Tacos: 75 Authentic and Inspired Recipes, by Mark Miller, with Benjamin Hargett and Jane Horn (Ten Speed Press, 2009), p. 118

3815. FOUR-LAYER BEEF and BACON CASSEROLE

yield: 8 servings


Topping

1/2 pound bacon

Sweet Potato Mash

3-4 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/4 lb)

1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk

1/2 tsp dried sage

1/4 tsp coarse sea salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Cauliflower Mash

1 head cauliflower (1.5 lb), cut into florets

1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk

1/2 tsp coarse sea salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

Ground Beef

2 pounds ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 medium yellow onion, diced

8 ounces button mushrooms, diced

1 tsp coarse sea salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Topping: Preheat oven to 375 F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the bacon out on the sheet in one layer. Bake 12-15 minutes (22 minutes for crispy bacon). Let cool, chop, and then set aside.

Sweet Potato Mash: Heat oven to 400 F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Clean and poke the sweet potatoes with a fork. Bake at 400 F for 35-40 minutes, or until they're soft and easily cut by a knife. Let them cool completely. Peel the potatoes and add the insides to a food processor. Add the coconut milk, sage, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth then set aside.

Cauliflower Mash: Steam the florets covered over simmering water for approximately 10 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Place them in a food processor and add the coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth then set aside.

Ground Beef: In a large pan, cook the ground beef until slightly browned. Add the garlic, onion, mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and stir. Once the meat is cooked through, remove from heat.

Assembly: Turn oven to 350 F. Evenly spread the cauliflower mash over the meat. Spread the remaining half of the meat over the cauliflower in an even layer. Lastly, spread the sweet potato mash over the meat. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Turn on broiler and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top and then let it cool and thicken for at least 10 minutes.

bacon recipe source: Cassy Joy Garcia, Fed & Fit (@fedandfit), June 10, 2014

3814. CRISPY BACON GRILLED CHEESE ROLL UPS

serves: 8 roll ups


8 slices of bread, crusts removed
8 slices of cheese, or 1 cup+ grated cheddar
8 slices precooked bacon
1/4 cup butter

Using a rolling pin, roll slice of bread flat. Place once slice of cheese (or 2-3 tablespoons grated cheddar). Roll up bread and cheese. Wrap one slice of bacon around each roll securing with a toothpick. Place in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a small spoonful of butter and using tongs, rub the rolls in the butter ensuring the bread edges are covered. Continue adding bits of butter and turning with tongs until all sides are browned and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe source: Holly, Spend With Pennies (@spendpennies), April 3, 2014

3813. BACON, COFFEE and MAPLE WHISKEY MARTINI

yields 1


4 ounces coffee, room temperature

2 ounces Crown Royal Maple Finished Whiskey

1/2 ounce milk

1/2 teaspoon bacon-flavored syrup

Maple syrup

1 strip bacon, fried crisp

Ice

Fill a shaker with ice. Add coffee, whiskey, milk and syrups. (Add maple syrup to desired sweetness.)

Shake until chilled. Pour into a martini glass.

Garnish with strip of bacon.

bacon recipe source: Karen Miner, SheKnows.com (@SheKnows), January 11, 2013

3812. BACON-WRAPPED STEAK SKEWERS

12 slices of thick bacon

½ lb grilling steak

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp steak spice

6 bamboo skewers

Preheat oven to 350F. Soak bamboo skewers (just the bottom half) for 20 mins in warm water. Cut bacon slices in half and cook through but not crispy. Season steak with Worcestershire sauce and steak spice. Cut the steak into 12 cubes (about 1 inch square). Grill steak to rare (outsides should be seared but steak not cooked through). Wrap steak pieces in bacon and insert on skewer, two pieces per skewer. On a foil lined baking sheet put skewers into the oven for 5 mins then turn over and cook for another 3-5 mins depending on how well done you like your meat. Serve with salsa, ranch dip or on top of salad.

bacon recipe source: Kerrie, Family Food and Travel (@BusyMomofTwins1), April 2, 2014

3811. BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN and PEACH MINI-BROCHETTES

makes 24 bites


Marinade
2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar
2 tbsp (28 g) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1 green onion, chopped

Mini-Brochettes

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, each cut into 6 pieces

2 peaches, pitted and each cut into 12 wedges

12 slices bacon, halved

24 large toothpicks, soaked in water for 15 minutes

Salt and pepper

Marinade: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring all the ingredients to a boil and simmer for about 1 minute. Let cool.

Mini-Brochettes: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Wrap a piece of chicken and a peach wedge with a half slice of bacon. Skewer with a toothpick. Place the skewers in a glass dish and coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat the grill, setting the burners to high. Oil the grate. Reduce the heat to medium. Grill the skewers for about 5 minutes on each side. Turn off the burner on one side of the grill and place the skewers on the unlit section for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

bacon recipe source: Ricardo Cuisine (@RicardoRecipes) 

3810. SPINACH, BACON, FETA and MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Salad

8 cups packed spinach leaves (prewashed, bag type)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup crumbled bacon pieces

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

1 - 11 oz can Mandarin oranges, well drained

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

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

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

3809. STRAWBERRY BACON SPINACH SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING

Serves: 6


1 pound of baby spinach

½ pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and diced

1 (10 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

½ cup grated Swiss cheese

½ pound cooked bacon, chopped

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

½ cup candied pecan pieces

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar

2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup

⅓ cup grapeseed oil (or other neutral flavored oil)

2 tablespoons grated red onion

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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

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

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

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

Makes 4 to 6 servings

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

2 or 3 strips applewood-smoked bacon, chopped

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

1 clove garlic, minced

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

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

Kosher salt

Juice of 1/2 lemon

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

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

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

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

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

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

3807. BACON-WRAPPED MEATLOAF with BELL PEPPERS

Serves four to six


1 Tbs. vegetable or olive oil; more for the baking sheet

1 cup diced red, yellow, or green bell peppers (or a mix)

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic

3/4 lb. ground beef, 85-percent lean

3/4 lb. ground veal

3/4 lb. ground pork

1/2 cup tomato ketchup

1 Tbs. Dijon-style mustard

1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup fresh plain breadcrumbs

1 egg

1-1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

About 8 slices raw bacon

Heat the oven to 350°F. In a small skillet, heat the oil; add the peppers and onions and cook over medium heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes to soften. Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients except the bacon, and add the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix with a rubber spatula or your hands just until the ingredients are combined. Don't overwork the meat.

Oil a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan, turn the meat mixture out onto the pan, and shape it into a large loaf (I like mine to look like a slightly oval loaf of bread). Or divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 6 oz. each) and shape each portion into an individual meatloaf. Wrap strips of bacon around the shaped loaf, tucking the ends under the loaf.

Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F, 50 to 60 minutes for a large loaf, or 25 to 35 minutes for smaller loaves. Before slicing, let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow some carryover cooking and to let the juices redistribute. To serve, slice and spoon some of the pan juices over the slices, if you like.

bacon recipe source: Joseph Verde, Fine Cooking, Issue 31

3806. CORN, BACON and SERRANO RAMEKINS

Servings: 12 ramekins


2 cups half and half

8 large eggs

24 ounces (4 1/2 cups) extra sweet frozen corn, defrosted (divided use)

Salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish

6 strips thick sliced bacon

1 cup finely chopped white onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 to 4 fresh serrano chiles, finely diced (seeded if you wish)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place 12 6 ounce ramekins in a large roasting pan. Heat water for a water bath.

In a food processor or blender, add the half & half, eggs, 3 cups corn, 1 teaspoon salt, and paprika. Process until corn is finely chopped. Set aside.

Cook the bacon in a very large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble and divide between the ramekins.

Pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Scoop in the onion and saute until golden brown. Add the garlic, serranos, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, saute for 1 minute until the garlic becomes aromatic. Scrape in the remaining 1 1/2 cups corn and continue cooking until mixture is hot. Evenly distribute the corn mixture between the ramekins. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the vegetables and stir to combine.

Set the roasting pan in the center of the oven and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until the custard is just set in the middle. Sprinkle the tops with smoked paprika. Serve immediately or refrigerate and reheat later as described in the testing notes.

bacon recipe source: Rick Bayless/Frontera Restaurant (@Rick_Bayless)

3805. KALE TEMPURA with CANDIED BACON

1 bunch of kale

8 cups canola oil

tempura batter (recipe below or use a box mix)

1/2 cup fish sauce dressing (recipe below)

3 strips candied bacon, chopped (recipe below)

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped mint

Tempura Batter

2 cups rice flour

1 egg

1 cup cold seltzer water

Dash of salt

Tempura Batter: Whisk all ingredients until they just come together.

Candied Bacon

3 strips thick cut bacon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Candied Bacon: In a rimmed baking dish cover the strips of bacon with the brown sugar on both sides. Place in cold oven, then turn oven to 375°. Check bacon after 25 minutes, it should be done in about 25-35 minutes. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Remove from oven and place on a parchment lined surface to cool.

Fish Sauce Dressing

1/2 cup fish sauce

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

6 tablespoons sugar

1 lime, juiced

1 garlic clove minced

1 Serrano chile minced (keep the seeds if you like things spicy)

Fish Sauce Dressing: Whisk all ingredients together. Stored in the fridge, this will keep for a couple of weeks.

Main recipe: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Tear kale leaves off of the stems, and cut larger leaves in half. Boil kale in salted water for 1 minute. Strain into colander and spread out onto a sheet tray. When cool enough to handle squeeze out all of the water from the kale.

In a large bowl put fish sauce dressing, cilantro, mint, and bacon. 

Heat 8 cups of canola oil in a wide high-sided pot to 350º. Prepare your work area by having a shallow dish of dry tempura mix (about a cup) and your tempura batter in a bowl near the stove. Also have a dish with paper towel ready for your tempura pieces as they come out of the oil.

Dip the kale into the dry tempura, then dip into the tempura batter, place into the oil. It is important to try and separate the leaves as it goes in the oil to avoid clumping. Fry for a minute or two. Using a spider (or chop sticks) take kale out of oil and place into the large bowl. 

In a large serving bowl toss the kale with the fish sauce dressing, fresh herbs and bacon so all the ingredients coat it.

bacon recipe source: Mary McDonald, Pixels + Crumbs (@pixelsandcrumbs), August 5, 2014

3804. SAVORY MAPLE MUFFINS with CANDIED BACON

yields one dozen

Muffins:

1/2 cup brown sugar

Candied Bacon:

12 slices bacon

2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

Candied Bacon: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a jelly roll pan with foil and set a wire rack on top. Spray rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place brown sugar in a medium bowl. Separate bacon slices and add to the bowl. Stir together until the bacon is coated on both sides with brown sugar. Spread the bacon slice by slice over the wire rack and rub remaining brown sugar onto each slice. Bake until the bacon reaches desired crispness, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Chop or crumble 8 slices of bacon for the muffin batter. Cut the remaining pieces crosswise into 1/4- inch strips; set aside for topping the muffins when they come out of the oven. 

Muffins: Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, chopped bacon, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil and syrup until combined. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and fill two thirds full. Bake 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately insert 3 or so bacon strips vertically into the center of each muffin so pieces are visible. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

bacon recipe source: Perch's IGA

3803. ZUCCHINI BACON FRITTERS with BASIL-MAYO DIPPING SAUCE

Makes about 40 fritters

For basil mayo:

1 cup basil

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For fritters:

About 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

3 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 fresh jalapeño, stemmed and minced (including seeds)

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3/4 cup whole milk

6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, finely chopped

Equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

Make basil mayo: Purée basil with mayonnaise, water, and lemon juice in a blender. Transfer to a small bowl and chill until ready to use.

Make fritters: Preheat oven to 200°F. Heat 3 inches oil to 350°F in a deep 5-quart pot over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir together zucchini, jalapeño, chives, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Add egg, milk, and bacon to zucchini mixture and toss to coat zucchini. Stir in flour mixture until incorporated. Fry small spoonfuls of batter in batches of about 10, turning occasionally, until golden-brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Return oil to 350°F between batches.

Serve fritters with basil mayo.

bacon recipe source: Andrea Albin, Gourmet, July 2010

3802. GREEN CURRY and TARO STEM SOUP with BACON

serves four


2 oz. slab bacon, cut into 1⁄4-inch lardons

1⁄4 cup finely chopped cilantro stems and leaves

1 tbsp. prahok (or other Asian fish or shrimp paste)

6 kaffir lime leaves, thinly shredded

4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

3 small shallots, roughly chopped

2 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped

2 stalks lemongrass, inner cores thinly sliced

1 1⁄2 inches galangal, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tbsp. long-grain white rice

Kosher salt

2 (12-inch-long) taro stems or 4 oz. water spinach or Swiss chard stems, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 3-inch pieces

1⁄2 cup cooked white rice

1 tbsp. finely grated palm sugar or light brown sugar

1 tbsp. fish sauce

1⁄2 cup 1⁄2-inch cubed white sweet potato

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

4 cups chicken stock

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

Thinly sliced long beans, mung bean sprouts, and thinly shredded basil leaves, for serving

Whole Vietnamese mint and sawtooth herb leaves, to garnish

In a small skillet, heat the bacon over medium and cook, stirring, until browned and crisp and its fat renders, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to cool and discard the fat. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the cilantro with the fish paste, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, chiles, lemongrass, and galangal and purée into a lightly chunky curry paste.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the uncooked rice over medium and cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 14 minutes. Transfer the rice to a spice grinder, let cool, and then process until finely ground. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the taro stems until tender, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, drain the stems and let cool. Squeeze the stems to drain all their water and transfer to a bowl along with the ground toasted rice, cooked rice, palm sugar, and fish sauce and stir until evenly combined. Add the sweet potato to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 5 minutes; drain.

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium. Scrape the curry paste into the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring, until reduced slightly, about 10 minutes. Transfer soup to a blender and purée until smooth. Pour the soup through a fine sieve back into the saucepan and keep warm.

To serve, divide the rice mixture among 4 serving bowls, mounding it in the center. Ladle the soup around and then top with the bacon, sweet potatoes, long beans, bean sprouts, and basil, and, if using, garnish with the Vietnamese mint and sawtooth herb leaves.

bacon recipe source: Sok Kimsan & Pol Kimsan, Saveur.com (@SAVEURMAG), December 14, 2015

3801. BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN NUGGETS

1 package boneless chicken breasts
1 package bacon

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the chicken breasts into bite size nuggets. Cut each bacon strip in half. Wrap a piece of bacon around each piece of chicken. Secure with toothpick if necessary. Line the bacon wrapped chicken nuggets on a greased baking sheet and cook for about 30 minutes or until bacon begins to crisp and chicken is no longer pink in the center.

bacon recipe source: Michele, Eat Teach Laugh Craft (@ETLCblog), January 24, 2014

3800. BACON-BOURBON APPLE PIE

makes 10 servings

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

3/4 cup flour, divided

6 Tbsp. cold butter, divided

5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 14.1-oz. pkg.)

6 cups sliced peeled Golden Delicious apples (about 6 apples)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. bourbon

1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 400ºF.

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup flour in medium bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in bacon.

Place crust in 9-inch pie plate as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Place apples in large bowl. Add granulated sugar, remaining flour, bourbon and vanilla; mix lightly Spoon into crust. Cut remaining butter into small pieces; place evenly over apples. Cover with crumb topping. Place on baking sheet.

Bake 30 min. Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF; bake 30 min. or until apples are tender. Cool.

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

3799. BACON and CHEESE STROMBOLI

1 pizza crust

1 cup shredded mozzarella
3 scallions/green onions, sliced
¼ cup crumbled crispy bacon
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
A few pinches of red chili flakes
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Unroll the dough and brush with olive oil. Scatter the scallions over the dough, follow by the cheese, chili flakes, bacon, and season with salt and pepper. Roll up the long side, tuck the short sides in and slide onto the baking tray, seal side down. Make a few cuts on top of the dough and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned. Leave to cool slightly before serving.

bacon recipe source: Angie Tee, Seasaltwithfood (@Seasaltwithfood), September 24, 2012

3798. BLUE CHEESE BURGER with BACON WALNUT CHUTNEY

Servings: 1

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

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

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

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

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

3797. FIVE INGREDIENT BRUSSELS SPROUT and BACON CROSTINI with WHIPPED BLUE CHEESE

Serves: 24 crostini

6 slices of bacon

6 cups shaved brussels sprouts

¼ teaspoon salt

1 baguette, cut into ½ inch slices

¾ cup crumbled blue cheese

3 ounces softened cream cheese

In a large non-stick skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towel and pour grease into small bowl. Wash pan out. When bacon has cooled, chop finely.

Heat the same pan to a medium heat and add two teaspoons of the bacon grease. Add brussels sprouts and salt. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with chopped bacon.

Using a pastry brush, brush crostini with remaining bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan to a medium-high heat and toast bread on both sides until they have grill marks. (You can also pop them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees and bake until crisp, about 5-6 minutes).

In the bottom of a mini food processor or blender, add blue cheese and cream cheese. Blend until smooth.

Spread crostini with whipped blue cheese and top with bacon and brussels sprout sauté.

bacon recipe source: Nicole, Cooking for Keeps (@cookingforkeeps), December 1, 2015

3796. BRUSSELS SPROUT PIZZA with ROBIOLA, BACON and RED ONION

Serves: 4-6

7 Brussels sprouts, halved, cored and shredded

1/3 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch dice

1 pound pizza-dough ball, at room temperature

Salt

¼ large red onion, thinly sliced

3 ounces robiola cheese, roughly crumbled

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese

Preheat oven to 550 degrees.

Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add Brussels sprouts to bowl and soak 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium-size pan over medium heat, sauté bacon until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Drain and dry Brussels sprout leaves.

Generously dust a large cutting board with flour. Place dough on board and use your hands to stretch it, rotating dough as you work, until you have a round, 24-inch crust with a translucent center.

Spread Brussels sprouts over dough, leaving a ½-inch rim bare. Sprinkle with salt and scatter onions, bacon and robiola overtop. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Carefully slide pizza from board onto an inverted baking tray or preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until dough puffs and browns, about 13 minutes. Remove pizza from oven and top with pecorino and remaining oil.

bacon recipe source: Cathy Whims, Oven and Shaker, 1134 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209; The Wall Street Journal, November 14, 2013

3795. EGGS BENEDICT with JALAPENO BACON and SMOKED PAPRIKA HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

makes eight servings


For the Yuca Croquette

2 pounds yuca (cassava)

1 teaspoon salt

1 small onion, finely chopped

½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 sprigs cilantro, leaves only, chopped

1 cup fine bread crumbs or flour

For the Hollandaise Sauce

4 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 pinch salt

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon tabasco sauce

salt, to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Eggs Benedict

8 slices Applewood smoked bacon, halved crosswise

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

8 large eggs

Make the croquettes: Peel the yuca, cut them in half and boil with salt, until tender. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onions, green pepper, and garlic. One the vegetables are cooked through and soft, add cilantro, and stir.

Rice the yuca or pulse it in the food processor and mix it with the bread crumbs. Make a 3” ball, then flatten it like a disc about a 1/2 inch thick. Deep fry until golden.

Make the hollandaise: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, whisk the 4 egg yolks with the wine and a pinch of salt until doubled in volume and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the melted butter, whisking constantly, until a thick, creamy sauce forms, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice and Tabasco and season the hollandaise with salt and smoked paprika. Keep the hollandaise sauce warm, whisking occasionally.

Make the eggs benedict: In a skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

Bring a large, deep skillet of water to a simmer over moderate heat and add the vinegar. One at a time, break the eggs into a small bowl and pour them into the simmering water, leaving plenty of space between them. Poach the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Arrange the fried yucca croquettes on plates and top with the bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.

bacon recipe source: Chef Kelvin Fernandez, The Latin Kitchen (@thelatinkitchen), 120 Broadway, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10271

3794. MANGALOREAN BEEF and BACON GRAVY

serves 3

1 pound beef chuck cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

2 tablespoon ginger paste

2 tablespoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Kosher salt

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

3 cloves

1 inch cinnamon stick

1 cup water

2 large onions cubed (about 3 cups)

3 small green chillies (such as Thai bird) slit lengthwise

1 tablespoon red chilli powder

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup tomato puree

1/2 cup water

Combine meat, ginger paste, garlic paste, pepper, vinegar, and 2 teaspoons salt.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in pressure cooker on medium high heat until shimmering. Add cloves and cinnamon and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the marinated beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes Add 1 cup water and close pressure cooker. Cook over high pressure for 45 minutes, then release pressure and allow steam to escape. Transfer beef and juices to a large bowl.

Wipe out pressure cooker, add remaining oil, and return to medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add green chillis and stir until fragrant-about 2 minutes. Add red chilli and turmeric powder and stir vigorously, so as not to burn the spices and cook for 1 minute. If they tend to stick or discolor add a few drops of water. Add the bacon and stir until the bacon begins to render, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato puree and cook, stirring, until the oil is fragrant and separates from the mixture, about 5 minutes. Add water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Return the beef and its juices to the pot and allow the whole dish to cook for another 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt if necessary, and serve with bread or rice.

bacon recipe source: Denise D'Silva Sankhe, Serious Eats (@seriouseats), November 20, 2012

3793. LINGUINE with ONION, BACON and PARMESAN

makes 4 servings

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

2 onions, sliced thin

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 pound linguine

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

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

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

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

bacon recipe source: Food & Wine, August 2014

3792. CANDIED HABANERO BACON

8 slices of streaky bacon

1/3 cup packed or 65g dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground habanero or to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C and line your baking pan (with sides to catch the rendering fat) with foil. This is just to make cleanup easier. Place your wire rack on top of the baking pan. Just for the record, my pan is 11x16 inches or 28x40cm. Arrange bacon in single layer on top of rack. Bake in the preheated oven for about seven minutes. Meanwhile, mix your brown sugar and ground habanero together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the bacon with half the brown sugar/habanero mixture. Bake 5-7 minutes longer. Turn the bacon over and sprinkle it with the remaining brown sugar and pepper. Bake 3-4 minutes longer or until the sugar is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

bacon recipe source: Stacy Rushton (@srushton1), Food Lust People Love, August 8, 2014

3791. CHOCOLATE CHIP TOFFEE BACON COOKIES

makes about 48 cookies

2-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup toffee bits

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 + 1/2 cup (about 10 slices) baked bacon, crumbled

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in a stand mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating on slow speed until well blended. Mix in toffee bits, 3/4 cup crumbled bacon and chocolate chips. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours to overnight. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading when you bake them.

Remove dough from the fridge 10 minutes before baking. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Top each cookie with the 1/2 cup bacon crumbles. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly then switch from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

bacon recipe source: MarlaMeridith.com (@MarlaMeridith), December 31, 2015

3790. SMOKED TROUT and BACON PITAS

makes 4 pitas

10 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 slices)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons grainy mustard

Salt and freshly ground pepper

6 ounces skinless smoked trout fillets, flaked

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (1/2 pound), halved

1/4 pound frisée, torn (4 cups)

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Four 7-inch pita breads

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the sour cream and mustard and season with salt and pepper. Add the bacon, smoked trout, cherry tomatoes, frisée and scallions and toss to coat. Spoon the salad into the pita breads and serve.

bacon recipe source: Annie Miller, Food & Wine, August 2004

3789. TERIYAKI BACON WRAPPED TOFU

yields 4 servings

1 block extra firm tofu

8 slices bacon

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup mirin

3 tablespoon sugar

Cut tofu into 8 blocks. Wrap in paper towels for 15 minutes to pull out excess water. Add soy sauce, mirin and sugar in small pan over medium heat. Once tiny bubble start to appear, let it cook for 10 minutes reduced by half. Remove from heat. Wrap each block of tofu with a slice of bacon. Heat skillet over medium high heat. Add tofu and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side. Drain pan to remove excess fat. Once bacon has fully cooked, brush with teriyaki sauce.

bacon recipe source: Otaku Food

3788. BACON WRAPPED GINGER SOY CHICKEN

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

6 slices uncooked bacon

¼ cup chicken broth

½ teaspoon ginger

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Combine all ingredients for marinade except bacon and chicken in a shallow baking dish, about 11"x8".

Rinse and pat chicken dry. Keep folded and wrap with bacon slices. Secure with toothpicks if desired (just remove them before putting chicken in the oven so they won't burn). Place bacon wrapped chicken pieces into the marinade for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to marinate both sides.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy bottomed, oven safe pan over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces until bacon starts to crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Poor remaining marinade over the chicken and slide the pan into the oven. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.

Serve immediately.

bacon recipe source: Kristin, Yellow Bliss Road (@YellowBlissRoad), March 16, 2015

3787. MAPLE BACON BLUEBERRY PORRIDGE

40g oats

250ml milk 

1 rasher of bacon

30 ml maple syrup

2 tsp cinnamon

1 egg

blueberry compote (in recipe below)

Heat a frying pan, once very hot add your bacon and cook until crispy, remove from pan and dice your bacon until  it resembles large crumbs. Return to pan for another 20 seconds to ensure it is completely crispy (this adds a nice crunch to your porridge!). Once you are happy with your bacon place on a piece of kitchen roll and leave to one side.

Make your blueberry compote, this can be made in advance and left in the fridge for a day or two, until you need it. To make the compote, simply place your blueberries in a pan with a tiny splash of water and simmer on a low heat until you reach a jam like consistency. This can be served either hot or cold on your porridge.

Place the oats in your pan along with the milk, simmer on a low heat, stirring continuously, add extra milk until you reach your desired consistency. Once you are happy with the consistency of your porridge it is time to add the egg. Break this straight into your porridge pan and mix in over a low heat, the addition of the egg gives a real creamy custard like effect to the dish, and adds a little richness! Then add your seasoning, your cinnamon and maple syrup, add a little more of either if you fancy it a little sweeter.

To plate this dish, simply pour your porridge into a bowl, top with your blueberry compote and scatter your extra crispy bacon on top, drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup and a light dusting of cinnamon and you are good to go!

bacon recipe source: Rude Health, September 15, 2015; created by Anna of Lunch Box London for the Rude Health London Porridge Championships

3786. SWEET FRENCH TOAST with BACON

Serves 2

4 slices premium center-cut or thick-cut bacon

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

4 slices hearty whole-grain bread

Butter for frying

Berries (strawberries or blueberries are good) or apple slices (optional)

2 Tbsp real maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C. Put the bacon in the oven; bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until crispy. Remove from oven and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

While bacon is cooking, combine milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pie plate or shallow bowl; whisk until well blended.

Dip 2 bread slices into egg mixture and let stand 30 seconds to absorb the liquid. Flip bread over and let stand in mixture another 30 seconds.

Heat the butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat until melted (but be careful not to burn it). Add 2 dipped bread slices and cook for 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip over and continue cooking for 1 minute or until done. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with remaining 2 bread slices.

On each plate, place 2 strips of bacon and 2 slices of French toast. Garnish with berries or apple slices, if you'd like, and serve with syrup.

bacon recipe source: philippagraham51 (member), BBC Good Food

3785. BACON and EGG BREAKFAST RAMEN

serves 1

Chili Oil

1 tablespoon oil

2 cloves garlic, niced

1 tablespoon chili flakes

Soy Dressing

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dashi granules

Noodles

1 portion thick ramen noodles

3 crispy bacon

1 slow poached egg

Garnish

seaweed strips

sliced green onions

katsuobushi

toasted black sesame seeds

Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook, stirring, until the mixture heats up and sizzles, about 1-2 minutes. Do not burn – since this is a small amount, keep the heat low. You want the garlic mellow and the chili flakes to just release their spice. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.

Mix together the soy dressing together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cook the noodles according to the package and drain well. Toss with the soy dressing, to taste. Place the noodles in a shallow bowl and top with pork belly and a poached egg. Garnish with seaweed strips, green onions, katsuobushi, and toasted black sesame seeds. Serve with a generous amount of chili oil. Mix and enjoy!

bacon recipe source: Stephanie Le, i am a food blog (@iamafoodblog), September 6, 2015

3784. BANANA PANCAKES with CRISPY BACON and SYRUP

Serves 4 (makes about 10 pancakes)

8 rashers smoked streaky bacon

140g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp light soft brown sugar

2 ripe banana, 1 mashed, 1 thinly sliced

2 large egg

25g butter, melted, plus a little extra

125ml milk

maple syrup

Heat the grill to high. Arrange the bacon on a baking tray lined with foil. Cook for 5-7 mins until crisp, then turn off the grill but leave the tray inside to keep warm. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and sugar with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre and add the mashed banana, eggs, butter and milk. Whisk to a smooth batter without any flour lumps.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan. Once sizzling, ladle in small dollops of the pancake batter, leaving a little space between each, as they will spread out. Put 2 or 3 slices of banana onto the surface of each pancake and cook for 2 mins over a medium heat. When you see bubbles appear between the banana slices, flip the pancakes over and cook for 1 min more, until puffed up and golden. Transfer to a plate and keep warm with the bacon while you cook the rest. Serve the pancakes with the crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.

bacon recipe source: Cassie Best, Good Food Magazine, January 2013, BBC