3963. BACON SHORTCAKES with PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPING CREAM

Yield: 6 servings


For the shortcakes:

6 slices bacon
21/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
3/4 cup whole milk, plus more for brushing
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted salted peanuts

For the whipped cream:

1 cup cold heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the caramel:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of cream of tartar or 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons dark rum
4 bananas, thinly sliced

Make the shortcakes: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 9 to 11 minutes; drain on paper towels. Finely chop 2 slices of the bacon and roughly chop 4 slices; set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pulse the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Add the milk, vanilla and finely chopped bacon and pulse until the dough just comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 5-by-7 1/2-inch rectangle.

Cut out 6 rounds with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter; arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar and the chopped peanuts. Bake until the shortcakes are puffed and golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: Beat the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form; refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the caramel: Combine the granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons water and the cream of tartar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally but not stirring, until the mixture is light amber, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream and rum (the mixture will bubble). Return to medium heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute; add the bananas and roughly chopped bacon.

Split the shortcakes. Top with the banana mixture and peanut butter whipped cream.

bacon recipe source: Food Network Kitchen/Food Network Magazine

3121. HEIRLOOM TOMATO BACON SHORTCAKES with WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE

yields 14-16 small shortcakes


Biscuits
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon table salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
4 slices extra crispy bacon- chopped (save about 1 slice worth for sprinkling)
1 cup whole milk

Tomato Salad
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound heirloom tomatoes, chopped

Toppings
3 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
extra bacon crumbles

To make the biscuits, preheat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large, wide bowl. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

Stir in the bacon. Add the milk and stir until evenly moistened. Pat out to 3/4- to 1-inch thickness, adding a little more flour if needed, and cut into 2-inch rounds, re-forming the scraps as needed until all of the dough is used up. Arrange the biscuits on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1-2 inches apart. Bake until they are golden brown on top, for about 15 minutes.

For the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to a medium-sized bowl along with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

To make the whipped goat cheese, in a separate bowl use an electric mixer to whip the cream until peaks form. Add the goat cheese and beat until the cheese topping is light and fluffy.

To assemble the shortcakes, split each warm biscuit in half. Generously spoon each half with the tomato salad and its dressing. Dollop with whipped goat cheese and sprinkle with bacon. Eat right away or the biscuits will get soggy from tomato juice.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Audra Fullerton, The Baker Chick, August 9, 2013