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

3742. CHOCOLATE, CARAMEL, MARSHMALLOW, WHISKEY and BACON BARK

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 cups mini-marshmallows
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon whiskey
Approximately 25 caramels, unwrapped
2-3 strips of crisp bacon

Prepare an 8x8 inch pan by lining with parchment or foil sprayed thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. {Create flaps that hang over edges for easy removal.} Set aside.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. {Be careful not to scorch, even when it looks like it's not fully melted it will continue to melt as you stir, so err on the side of caution.}

Pour about half of melted chocolate into prepared pan and smooth evenly with a silicone or offset spatula. Place in freezer to harden, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place marshmallows, butter, and whiskey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about 45 seconds. {Keep an eye on it, marshmallows will swell and try to escape the bowl!} Stir and return to microwave for about another 45 seconds. Stir until smooth and elastic.

Pour onto set chocolate layer and, working quickly, smooth evenly. {If you're not using a silicone spatula, you may want to spray whatever you are using with cooking spray so that you don't have a sticky mess to deal with.}

Return to freezer and freeze for another 15 minutes.

Clean marshmallow bowl {or don't, it's really up to you}, and place unwrapped caramels into it. Heat for about 45 seconds, then stir, and continue heating in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth.

Pour over marshmallow layer and spread evenly. {And quickly! It will cool fast.}

Return to freezer for 15 more minutes.

Reheat remaining chocolate until warm and smooth and pour over caramel layer. Smooth evenly and, while still wet, sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Pat bacon crumbles down lightly so that they stick to chocolate.

Freeze for a final 15-30 minutes or until completely set.

When ready to cut, remove bark by gently pulling on foil flaps, then carefully peel foil from hardened chocolate. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife.

{Keep refrigerated. Bark becomes slightly gooey & floppy at room temp.}

bacon recipe source: Dianna Muscari (@TheKitchenPrep), The Kitchen Prep, September 10, 2012; adapted from Whiskey Disks, Hammerstone's Whiskey Disks, PO Box 269, Chocorua, NH 03817

3714. CHILI BACON JAM

makes two cups


600 grams (1 1/2 lb) good quality smoked rasher bacon
4 eschallots (brown shallots), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup (6 fl oz) whisky (substitute with brandy, or just water if preferred)
2/3 cup (7 fl oz) strong brewed coffee
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Cut your bacon rashers into one inch pieces, then fry them in a large pot with a splash of oil until the meat is crisped and the fat has rendered out. Remove with a slotted spoon, then drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pot. Add in your shallots and garlic over medium heat, and cook until the shallots are translucent. Add in the spices, brown sugar, chosen alcohol (if using) and a pinch of salt, cook for 3-4 minutes before adding in your other liquid ingredients: vinegar, coffee and maple syrup. Bring to the boil, then allow the liquid to reduce slightly for about five minutes.

Add in your reserved bacon, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes before stirring and allowing the mixture to evaporate. Cook for a further 30 minutes, or until the mixture is darkened, syrupy and fragrant.

Once at the desired consistency, allow the mixture to cool. Skim any oil off the surface with a spoon, and discard it alongside the bay leaves.

Transfer your cooled mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Process until it reaches the consistency of a chunky jam; you should still be able to see crunchy, crisp little bits of bacon amongst the syrupy, boozy spiced shallots. Taste, and add extra salt or pepper as required.


bacon recipe source: Laura's Mess, August 12, 2012

3581. BACON-CHOCOLATE MOUSSE with MAPLE WHISKEY CREME

makes 12+ servings


Mousse:
12 oz. best quality semi sweet chocolate chips 
1/2 cup sugar 
3 eggs 
1 cup hot milk 
1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
4 slices of thick sliced bacon, cooked crisped, drained and cooled 

Maple whiskey creme: 
1 cup of heavy cream 
1/2 cup of powdered sugar 
1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
1 - 1/2 tablespoons whiskey
1 teaspoon maple extract 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Mousse: Combine chocolate, sugar, and eggs in a blender and blend until combined. Add hot milk and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Stir in finely chopped bacon. Pour into demitasse cups, mini martini glasses or ramekins and chill at least 2 hours. (This can also be poured into a prepared graham cracker crust and served like a pie.) Top with a dollop of maple whiskey crème

Maple whiskey creme: With an electric mixer, Whip the crème and sugar until thick. Add syrup, whiskey and extracts and whip to desired thickness. Serve on mousse.


bacon recipe source: tamaralittrell (member), BakeSpace (@bakespace)

3550. COCOA-RUBBED STEAK with BACON-WHISKEY GRAVY

yields six servings


For the steak:

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
3 1 -pound New York strip steaks (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
 

For the gravy:
4 strips bacon, diced
1 leek (white and light green parts only), finely chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whiskey
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Make the steak: Mix the cocoa powder, both paprikas, brown sugar, cayenne and 2 teaspoons salt; rub on the steak and bring to room temperature, 30 minutes.

Make the gravy: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add the leek to the drippings and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the whiskey, then return to medium heat; if the alcohol ignites, let the flames die out. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the mixture is reduced by one-quarter, about 8 minutes. Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy coats a spoon, about 7 minutes. Stir in the butter, reserved bacon and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter; when it melts, add the steak and sear until a dark crust forms, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Season with salt. Slice and serve with the gravy.

bacon recipe source: Food Network Kitchen, Food Network Magazine 

3470. BACON JAM with BOURBON, MAPLE, and ESPRESSO

makes 3-4 cups of bacon jam


2 lb. extra thick cut bacon
2 extra large Spanish/red onions, quartered and sliced in thick strips
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 cup maple syrup
2 double-shots espresso (4 shots total)
1/4 cup bourbon (or whisky)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cut bacon into small strips (about 1/5th an inch across).

Place all the bacon into a large pot and cook over medium-high, stirring often. Avoid crisping the bacon but cook until it gains color. Depending on your pot this could take 15-25 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon and remove the bacon from the pan/pot. Drain all fat into a bowl and turn heat to medium high. Add 2 tablespoons of bacon fat back into pot and wait a few minutes. Store extra fat in a jar and use it for frying and/or conditioning your cast iron pots.

Add onions and cayenne to pot, turn to medium and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes.

Add maple syrup, espresso, bourbon and bacon to the pot and return temperature to medium-high.  simmer, stirring every few minutes until sauce reduces and turns into a thick sauce (enough to coat the bacon without dripping off the spoon).

Add balsamic at end, stir to incorporate.

Place in a jar and store in the fridge for up to a week.


bacon recipe source: Joel MacCharles, Well Preserved (@WellPreserved), April 30, 2014

2947. WHISKEY, CARAMEL, MARSHMALLOW and BACON BARK

makes 1 8×8 pan


16 oz of semi-sweet chocolate
4 cups of mini marshmallows
¼ cup whiskey
1 cup caramel (recipe follows)
1 cup of spiced bacon crumble (recipe follows)

Preparation: Line pan with parchment or wax paper with a one-inch overhang on each side.

Caramel Filling:
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons water
4 tablespoon butter
7 tablespoon heavy cream

Add sugar and water into a saucepan over medium low heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Use a wet brush to remove any crystals that form on the side. Once sugar has dissolved increase heat to high. Now and then, using the handle, give the pot a swirl to keep the mixture moving. Do not stir the mixture directly. The mixture will start to bubble after a minute. As the mixture darkens to a medium amber color, approximately 5-7 minutes, add the butter and heavy cream to saucepan. The mixture will bubble wildly. Whisk to combine (bubbles will subside upon cooling). Set aside to cool completely.

Bacon Crumble:
16 oz bacon
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoon water
1 egg white
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Cook bacon and set aside to cool completely. Once cooled, coarsely crumble bacon with hand; set aside and heat oven to 300 degrees F. Place sugar and water in a pot and heat until sugar is dissolved. Toss crumbled bacon in sugar syrup to coat. Pass coated bacon through a strainer to drain excess sugar syrup. Add egg white to a bowl and beat until fluffy and foamy. Add in black pepper and cayenne. Whisk to combine. Add in crumbled bacon and toss to coat. Spread coated, crumbled bacon on a parchment lined bakesheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool, then crumble bacon one last time.

Place chocolate in a bain marie or in a heat-proof bowl above simmering water. Heat on low until chocolate is melted. Pour half of melted chocolate into parchement-lined pan. Then using an offset spatula, spread chocolate until smooth. Transfer pan to freezer to chill for about 5 minutes or until melted chocolate becomes solid.

Place marshmallows in a large saucepan and heat until marshmallows starts to just melt and forms web-like strands when stirred. (See picture). Remove from heat and add in 5 tablespoons of whiskey; stir to combine. Spread marshmallow mixture over solid chocolate layer. (To easily spread the marshmallow to an even layer, spray offset spatula with non-stick spray.)

Pour caramel on top of marshmallow layer. Then, using an offset spatula, spread caramel until smooth. Transfer pan to freezer to chill for about 5 minutes or until caramel becomes slightly hardened. Pour remaining half of chocolate over caramel layer and, using an offset spatula, spread chocolate until smooth. Sprinkle and gently press bacon crumble into chocolate, Return fully assembled bark to refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes or until bark becomes solid. Bring bark to almost room temperature before cutting.


bacon recipe courtesy of: bakersroyale (member), Endless Simmer, December 8, 2011

2883. DARK CHOCOLATE WHISKEY BACON CUPCAKES

1 package of bacon
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 eggs
1 cup cold, strong, brewed coffee
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 shot of whiskey

These are things you’ll want to do first: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Brew one strong cup of coffee. Cook your bacon until browned and crispy. Drain the bacon, cool on a paper towel, crumble and set aside. Mix together a cup of buttermilk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you have it. Let it do its thing for five minutes.

Start the cupcakes: While the bacon is cooking, combine your dry ingredients; flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Make a tiny well in the middle and gently pour in eggs, coffee, buttermilk and oil. Make a well in the center and pour in the eggs, coffee, buttermilk and oil. Stir it up until it’s become blended – no more, no less. Set aside some bacon strips to use as garnish, then crumble the rest to the batter. Divide the batter amongst the cups evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Then release the cupcakes from the pans and let cool over a wire rack.

Now comes the whiskey icing: 8 oz of cream cheese, a cup of powdered sugar and a shot of Jack Daniels whipped at high speed. Add more whiskey and cream cheese to taste. Spread icing out over cupcakes, then add bacon garnish. Serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: NoBakeLeni, Whiskey Bacon, May 1, 2012

2881. AGAVE and BOURBON SMOKED BACON

2 ounces kosher salt (about 1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon pink curing salt
1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1 5 to 6 pound pork belly
4 cups bourbon whiskey

Curing directions: If necessary, defrost your pork belly in the refrigerator. You cannot cure frozen pork! Combine the salt, pink salt and sugar in a bowl and mix well. Rub this mixture over the entire surface of the belly. Place pork belly in a 2 gallon Ziploc bag or shallow container. (The salt will make the pork release water creating a brine). Pour the agave nectar over the pork belly. Make sure it’s distributed evenly on all sides of the pork belly. Refrigerate, turning the pork, and redistributing the cure every day for seven days. Remove the pork from the cure, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Place it on a rack set over paper towels in the refrigerator and allow to dry, uncovered for 12-24 hours.

Smoking your pork: Set your smoker to 200 degrees. I used maple wood pellets for smoking. Hickory, apple, or pecan would work, too. Fill your water dish with four cups of your favorite bourbon or whiskey. Place your pork belly in your smoker and cook it until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees, about 3 hours. Remove from smoker and let cool slightly when it’s cool enough to touch. If your pork belly has skin on it, cut it off leaving as much fat as possible. Allow to cool, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to slice and use.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Anne-Marie Nichols, This Mama Cooks!, August 9, 2011

2609. BACON ICE CREAM

makes about ¾ qt (¾l)


For the candied bacon;
5 strips bacon
about 2 teaspoons light brown sugar

For the ice cream custard:
3 tablespoons (45g) salted butter
¾ cup (packed) brown sugar (140g), light or dark (you can use either)
2¾ (675ml) cup half-and-half
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons dark rum or whiskey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

To candy the bacon, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lay the strips of bacon on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil, shiny side down. Sprinkle 1½-2 teaspoons of brown sugar evenly over each strip of bacon, depending on length. Bake for 12-16 minutes. Midway during baking, flip the bacon strips over and drag them through the dark, syrupy liquid that’s collected on the baking sheet. Continue to bake until as dark as mahogany. Remove from oven and cool the strips on a wire rack. Once crisp and cool, chop into little pieces, about the size of grains of rice. To make the ice cream custard, melt the butter in a heavy, medium-size saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and half of the half-and-half. Pour the remaining half-and-half into a bowl set in an ice bath and set a mesh strainer over the top. In a separate bowl, stir together the egg yolks, then gradually add some of the warm brown sugar mixture to them, whisking the yolks constantly as you pour. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low to moderate heat, constantly stirring and scraping the bottom with a heatproof spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the spatula. Strain the custard into the half-and-half, stirring over the ice bath, until cool. Add liquor, vanilla and cinnamon, if using. Refrigerate the mixture. Once thoroughly chilled, freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the bacon bits during the last moment of churning, or stir them in when you remove the ice cream from the machine.


bacon recipe courtesy of: David Lebovitz, Paris, France, March 9, 2009

2383. BACON-WRAPPED FILLET STEAK with SCOTCH WHISKY and GINGER ALE SAUCE with HERBED MUSHROOMS

serves two


2-5 oz. fillet steaks
2 slices of bacon
seasoned salt to taste
pepper to taste
cooking spray
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 cups sliced mushrooms, sliced (white or baby portabella)
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup Scotch whiskey
½ cup ginger ale (Recommendation: Zevia Ginger Ale)
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
½ tablespoon soy sauce
pinch or two of dried rubbed sage


Preheat Oven to 375. For the Steak: Sprinkle sea salt and pepper on both sides of steaks. Wrap with bacon and secure with a tooth pick. Treat and heat a cast iron or heavy oven safe skillet. Add bacon-wrapped fillet. Sear on one side, approximately 2-3 minutes. Turn steak. Place in oven. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until internal temperature is 125. For the Sauce: Add oil to a medium skillet and heat. Add one tablespoon of butter. Pop the other tablespoon into the freezer. Once butter is melted, add mushrooms and thyme to pan. Sauté five minutes until browned. Remove mushrooms from pan to a bowl. Remove pan from heat. Right before you’re ready to serve your meal, return pan to high heat. Once pan is hot, add Scotch to deglaze, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add ginger ale, brown sugar, soy sauce and rubbed sage. Add the mushrooms back to the pan. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer; about three to five minutes until it reduces to half. Add cold butter. Turn heat to high, bring to boil and then immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir until the butter is dissolved.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Taste of Home, RDA Food & Entertaining Affinity, 5400 South 60th Street, Greendale, Wisconsin 53129

2292. SCOTCH-MARINATED SKIRT STEAK with BACON PEANUT CRUNCH

yields four servings


For the crostini:
12 slices baguette
Extra-virgin olive oil

For the bacon peanut crisp:
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

For the steak:
1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon ground sage
1/2 tablespoon salt
3/4 teaspoon Spanish paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup Scotch whisky
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 pound skirt steak

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the baguette slices onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toast bread until golden brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

In a saute pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and let cool. In a mixing bowl, crunch the bacon, add peanuts and chopped cilantro.

Preheat a grill or a grill pan to high heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, sage, salt, paprika, garlic powder, Scotch, and mustard. Add the steak to the bowl and coat it with the marinade. Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill until medium-rare, about 4 minutes on each side. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly, against the grain.

To assemble the dish: Spread the crostini with creme fraiche, put the steak slices on the crostini, and top with a little of the bacon and peanut crunch.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Serena Palumbo, "Retro Palm Springs," Food Network Star, Food Network

2037. LOIN of HARE with BACON and IRISH WHISKEY CREAM

serves six


1-1/4 pounds boneless hare loin, well trimmed
2 slices bacon
5 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup brown chicken stock
1/2 cup whipping cream

For the spice mixture:
6 juniper berries
2 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon salt

To make the spice mixture, grind all the spices together in a small mortar with a pestle or in a spice grinder.

Slice the hare loin into 12 even-sized medallions and sprinkle the meat evenly with the spice mixture. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the whiskey over them. Wrap each medallion with a slice of bacon around its circumference and fix it in place with a wooden toothpick.

In a heavy frying pan, heat the oil over high heat and add the butter. When the butter foams, fry the medallions for about 3 minutes on each side. Pour the remaining 3 tablespoons whiskey into the pan and ignite it to flame the hare. Remove the meat and allow it to rest in a warm place while finishing the sauce. Add the cream and the stock to the pan and boil over high heat until a sauce consistency is achieved.

Place 2 medallions on each warmed individual plate and pour the sauce around the medallions.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gourmet Ireland: From the Public Television Series by Paul and Jeanne Rankin

2032. BACON, BOURBON, PUMPERNICKEL and RYE STUFFING

1/2 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
1/2 loaf day-old pumpernickel bread, cubed
1/2 loaf day-old dark rye bread, cubed
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
1 cup toasted, chopped pecans
1 quart chicken stock (more as needed)
1/2 cup good quality bourbon whiskey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels. Pour remaining bacon fat in the skillet into a bowl. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onions, celery, garlic, and rosemary, and cook until onions are soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon fat. Meanwhile, place the pumpernickel and rye bread cubes into a large bowl. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces, eggs, thyme, sage, and onion mixture, and toss to mix evenly. Stir the chicken stock and bourbon together in a bowl. Pour the chicken stock mixture over the bread mixture, adding more stock to reach desired consistency. Use your hands to evenly mix the ingredients together. Spoon stuffing mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and pat down lightly. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you wish to have a darker crust on top, bake for an additional 10 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Vino Luci, Greenwood Village, Colorado, November 17, 2010

1752. BLUE CORNMEAL ENCRUSTED RED GROUPER with BACON, DUCK SAUSAGE and SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS

2 4 oz. red grouper steaks
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup blue cornmeal
2 duck sausage links, diced
1 diced baking potato
1 slice applewood bacon, diced
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 oz. Jim Beam whiskey
1/4 cup diced mango
1/4 cup diced pineapple
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup scallions, bias cut

Coat one side of grouper with blue cornmeal. In heated skillet, add 1/4 cup olive oil. Slowly add in grouper and sear until tender. In a separate skillet, render bacon and sausage together adding the potato next then the shiitakes, red onion and spices. Saute for a few minutes until potatoes are tender, then deglaze with whiskey. In still another skillet, caramelize the sugar with the water and add the mango and pineapple. Pull from heat after a minute.

Arrange the plate by placing duck hash on the bottom, grouper on the hash, then relish on the grouper. Garnish plate with the scallions and red bell pepper.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Active Angler.com, Red Raven Press, LLC, 318 Elm Street, Windsor, Colorado 80550, 970-674-0079, contact@activeangler.com

1636. MAPLE-BACON and PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE with TEMPLETON RYE BACON WALNUT GLAZE

Crust

twenty-four 5 by 2½ -inch graham crackers
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup pure maple syrup

In a food processor finely grind graham crackers (you will have about 3 1/2 cups). Cut the butter into 8 pieces. Using the food processor, add the butter and syrup into the ground grahams until fully distributed. Press the grahams evenly into bottom and up side of a 10-inch spring form pan. Pre bake the crust (for crispier crust) in a 325º oven for 15 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before filling.


Filling

four 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup pure maple syrup
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
½ cup heavy cream
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 slices of bacon

With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in the syrup, then add the eggs one a time. Finish the mix by adding the remaining ingredients (except bacon) and mix well. Sprinkle the pre-baked crust with half of the crumbled bacon. Pour the filling over the bacon. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on the top. Bake at 325º for 1 1/4 hours or until center appears nearly set when shaken. Cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours before serving, preferably overnight.


Templeton Rye Bacon Walnut Glaze

1 cup cream
¾ cup maple syrup
½ cup Templeton Rye Whiskey
4 slices of bacon
½ cup walnuts, toasted, chopped

Boil the cream, syrup, and whiskey together for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bacon and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Pass the liquid through a strainer to remove the bacon. Place in a blender with the walnut and blend on high until thickened and smooth. Cover and chill until served. Stir before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Lance Avery, Corporate Executive Chef of Sara Lee | Jason Mosley, Mr. Baconpants, March 11, 2008

1374. ALBERTA BISON FILET wrapped in SMOKED BACON with RED WINE SAUCE and MAPLE WHISKY BUTTER

serves six


6 - 6 oz bison tenderloin filets
6 smoked bacon slices
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 F. Wrap each bison tenderloin with a slice of bacon and secure with butcher’s string or a toothpick. Season bison with salt and freshly cracked pepper. In a heavy, ovenproof pan, sear bison over medium-high heat for about 1 minute per side. Put pan in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes for medium rare. Take care not to overcook as this toughens bison considerably. Remove and set aside, covering with foil.

When ready to serve, spoon a small amount of red wine sauce on each plate and top with bison filet. Mount each bison filet while hot with a pat of maple whisky butter. Roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled vegetables work well as simple sides.


Red Wine Sauce
1 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
2 cup red wine
4 cups demi-glace
salt and pepper to taste

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high and sauté shallots until transparent, about 2 minutes. Add red wine and stir until liquid is reduced by about three-quarters. Add demi-glace and let cook and reduce for about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Strain the sauce and keep warm.


Maple Whisky Butter
1/2 lb unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon shallots, finely chopped and sautéed
1 tablespoons maple syrup
1/3 cup maple whisky
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, fill a ramekin. Refrigerate to firm until ready for use.


courtesy of: alive Magazine, 100-12751 Vulcan Way, Richmond, British Columbia, V6V 3C8 CANADA

891. HONEY-GLAZED BACON with APPLE-WHISKEY SAUCE

serves 4 to 6


loin of bacon or smoked shoulder, about 3 pounds
2 celery stalks
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 to 2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon honey

Apple-Whiskey Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
3 apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
1/4 cup reserved liquid (above)
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
3 tablespoons light cream or half-and-half
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
salt and freshly black pepper to taste

In a large pot of cold water, combine the bacon or smoked shoulder, celery, carrot, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until fork tender, 60 to 75 minutes, skimming the water occasionally to remove foam.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the bacon or shoulder to a roasting pan. Strain and reserve the liquid. Cut off the rind and score the fat. Combine the mustard and honey in a small bowl and spread over the meat. Add 2/3 cup of the reserved broth to the roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes. Add more broth if necessary during cooking. Transfer to a serving plate.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved broth or stock, the whiskey, and cream, and boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tarragon and season with salt and pepper. To serve, slice the meat and serve with the sauce.


courtesy of: Margaret Johnson, Irish Abroad: Irish community and news worldwide, Digiserve Ltd., Unit 56, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane, Dublin 8, Ireland

890. ROAST PHEASANT with BACON and WHISKEY CUMBERLAND SAUCE

1/4 cup Scotch whiskey
2 oranges, cut into 1/8ths
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 (2 to 2 1/2-pound) pheasants
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 slices bacon, halved

Whiskey-Cumberland Sauce:
1 cup Scotch whiskey
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
1 cup red currant jelly
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne

Serving suggestion: Wild rice

For the pheasant: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a bowl, toss the oranges with 3 tablespoons of the whisky. Rub the pheasants with the remaining 1 tablespoon of whisky and lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff each pheasant with the oranges and 1 sprig of fresh thyme, and close the cavities with skewers. Wrap the breast of each pheasant with the bacon and set in a roasting pan. Roast the pheasants until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 160 degrees F., about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand 10 minutes.

For the Whiskey Cumberland Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the whisky, orange juice, and orange zest, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by 50 percent in volume to about 3/4 cup. Add the currant jelly, salt, and cayenne, and stir well.

Cook until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a decorative bowl. Cool slightly before serving.

Remove the bacon from the pheasant breasts, if desired, and cut each bird in half. Discard the oranges and thyme in the cavity. Serve hot with Whisky-Cumberland Sauce and wild rice.


courtesy of: Emeril Lagasse, "Single Malt Whiskey," Emeril Live,, 2001

767. LOIN of VENISON with BACON and IRISH WHISKEY CREAM

servings: 6


500 grams boneless venison loin, well trimmed
3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
12 rashers rashers of streaky bacon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the lentils
100 grams Puy lentils
700ml beef stock, or water
1 teaspoon Salt
2 tablespoons onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons carrot, finely diced
2 tablespoons leek, finely diced
2 tablespoons celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons potato, finely diced
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
100 grams unsalted butter, chilled and diced

For the spice mixture
6 juniper berries
2 cloves
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons Black peppercorns
½ teaspoon Salt

For the Irish whiskey cream
250ml brown chicken stock
125ml double cream

First cook the lentils. Rinse them in plenty of cold water, then put them into a small pan with the stock or water and the salt.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add in the diced onion, carrot, leek, celery and potato and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until everything is fully cooked.

Add the vinegar and whisk in the diced butter. Keep warm. If you need to plan ahead, the lentils can be kept for a day or two in the fridge. If you are doing this, do not add the butter until you reheat the lentils before serving.

To make the spice mixture, grind the juniper berries, cloves, thyme, peppercorns and salt together using a pestle and mortar or in a small coffee grinder.

Slice the venison loin into 12 even sliced medallions and sprinkle the meat evenly with the spice mixture. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the whiskey over them.

Wrap a slice of streaky bacon around the circumference of each medallion and fix it in place with a cocktail stick.

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a heavy-based frying pan. Add in the medallions and fry over a high heat for 2 minutes on each side, then turn each medallion onto its circumference to crisp up the bacon a little.

When all the bacon is lightly crisped all round, pour off any excess fat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of whiskey to the saucepan. Carefully ignite it to flambé the venison.

Remove the meat, and allow it to rest in a warm place while finishing the sauce.

To make the Irish whiskey cream, place the stock in a saucepan and boil over a high heat until the sauce consistency preferred is reached. Add the cream and return to the boil.

Place two of the medallions in the centre of each warm plate, and pour the sauce around them. Serve with lentils.


courtesy of: Paul Rankin, Good Food Live, UKTV Food