2123. CHICKEN, SAUSAGE, HAM and BACON JAMBALAYA

makes 10 servings


12 ounces applewood-smoked bacon, diced
1 1/2 pounds smoked fully cooked sausage (such as linguiça), halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick semi-circles
1 pound andouille sausages, quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound tasso or smoked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 pounds onions, chopped (4 to 5 cups)
2 large celery stalks, chopped
1 8-to 10-ounce red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 8-to 10-ounce green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
6 large skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1- to 11/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (or more) cayenne pepper
3 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chiles
2 1/2 cups beef broth
3 cups (19 to 20 ounces) long-grain white rice
8 green onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
chopped fresh Italian parsley

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Cook bacon in very large pot over medium-high heat until brown but not yet crisp, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes. Add smoked sausage, andouille, and tasso. Sauté until meats start to brown in spots, about 10 minutes. Add onions, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes. Mix in chicken. Cook until outside of chicken turns white, stirring often, 5 to 6 minutes. Mix in paprika, thyme, chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Cook 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with chiles and broth; stir to blend well. Add more cayenne, if desired. Mix in rice.

Bring jambalaya to boil. Cover pot. Place in oven and bake until rice is tender and liquids are absorbed, 45 to 48 minutes. Uncover pot. Mix chopped green onions into jambalaya; sprinkle jambalaya with chopped parsley and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Anna Beth and Vince Chao, Bon Appétit, March 2011

2122. BRAISED BEEF CHEEK with SMOKED BACON, BABY MUSHROOMS and CELERIAC MASH

serves four


For the Beef Cheeks:
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 x 9 oz. pieces beef cheek, well trimmed
2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 pint red wine
2 pints beef stock
2 thyme sprigs
2 rosemary sprigs
5 oz. piece of smoked bacon, rind removed and diced
5 oz. button mushrooms, wiped clean
Maldon sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

For the Celeriac Mash:
½ celeriac (about 1lb 2oz.
10 oz. floury potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 pint milk
1 oz. butter

Preheat the oven to 170C (325F), gas mark 3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, flameproof casserole (with a lid) over a medium heat. Add the pieces of beef and brown all over for 4-5 minutes, turning regularly with tongs. Transfer to a plate. Add another tablespoon of oil to the casserole, reduce the heat a little and add the carrots, onion and garlic. Cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring, until golden brown.

Return the beef and any juices to the casserole dish and pour over the red wine and beef stock. Add the herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring to the boil. Cover the dish tightly with foil and a lid. Cook in the oven for 3 hours until the beef is really tender and melting.

Carefully remove the beef cheeks from the braising juices, allow to rest on a warmed plate and cover loosely with foil. Strain the cooking juices into a medium saucepan and allow them to simmer rapidly for 40-45 minutes until reduced by a quarter.

Meanwhile, make the celeriac mash. Cut the top and bottom off the celeriac, cut it into quarters and, using a small, sharp knife or vegetable peeler, peel away the thick, knobbly skin. Cut it into 1cm (1/2in) chunks and place in a large saucepan with the potatoes. Pour over the milk, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender.

Drain the cooked vegetables in a colander set over a bowl to catch the cooking liquid. Tip the vegetables into a food processor along with the butter, and whiz for a few minutes until you have achieved a smooth puree, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid if necessary to give a soft dropping consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over a very low heat.

Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the remaining oil and sauté the bacon and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain off any excess oil and stir into the reduced braising juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Divide the celeriac mash among wide-rimmed bowls and carefully arrange the cooked beef cheeks on top. Ladle over the braising juice with the bacon and mushrooms. Garnish with parsley to serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Neven Maguire, Neven Maguire: Home Chef, HarperCollins UK, 2010 | RTÉ.ie Raidió Teilifís Éireann, Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland

2121. SPICY SQUID SALAD with BACON, WATERCRESS and LIMA BEANS

makes four servings


1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 habanero chile, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 1/4 pounds cleaned squid, bodies cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings and large tentacles halved
1/2 pound dried large lima beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 bay leaf
4 thin strips of lean bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
2 teaspoons Jan's Spice Mix (recipe below)
1/2 cup Calamata olives, pitted and halved
Lemon–Shallot Vinaigrette (recipe below)
1 pound watercress, large stems discarded (12 packed cups)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jan's Spice Mix
makes about 1 cup

7 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Mix all of the spices in a small jar. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 month.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette
makes about 1/2 cup

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 1/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper

In a blender, combine the lemon zest and juice, shallots, mustard, vinegar and garlic and puree until smooth. With the machine on, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Pour the vinaigrette into a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a large glass baking dish, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the garlic, jalapeño, habanero and lemon zest. Add the squid and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the lima beans with 2 inches of water. Add the bay leaf, cover partially and simmer over low heat until the beans are tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the beans stand in their cooking liquid. Drain just before using and discard the bay leaf.

In a large, deep skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate. Increase the heat to high and cook the bacon fat until sizzling. Add the squid and its marinade in an even layer and cook, without stirring, until the squid begins to turn white, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the spice mix over the squid and cook, stirring, until just tender, about 1 minute. Gently fold in the bacon, lima beans and olives and cook just until warmed through. Stir in half of the Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette and remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, toss the watercress with the remaining vinaigrette and transfer to plates. Top with the warm squid salad and serve at once.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Jan Birnbaum "A Cook's Guide to Wine Pairings, Editor’s Picks: Marcia Kiesel’s Favorite F&W Recipes, California Wine Guide: Napa," Food & Wine, October 2002

2120. SWEET POTATO HASH with BACON and SPICY HOLLANDAISE

makes four servings


8 slices thick-sliced bacon
3 medium sweet potatoes, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
salt and ground black pepper
2 to 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
8 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 .9-oz. envelope hollandaise sauce mix
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
fresh chives

In 12-inch skillet cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble half of bacon. Drain all but 3 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Meanwhile cook sweet potatoes in boiling salted water for 3 minutes or until just tender; drain.

In skillet, cook onion in hot drippings until tender. Add sweet potatoes and cook until potatoes begin to crisp and brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper; transfer to bowl. Stir in crumbled bacon and maple syrup; keep warm.

Rinse skillet and fill half full of water. Add vinegar to water; bring to boiling. Reduce heat to simmer (bubbles should barely break the surface of the water). Break one egg into measuring cup. Holding the lip of the cup as close to the water as possible, slide egg slowly into water. Repeat with remaining eggs, allowing each egg an equal amount of space. Simmer eggs, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Remove eggs with slotted spoon and place them in large pan of warm water to keep them warm.

In small saucepan, combine milk, butter, and hollandaise sauce mix. Whisk and heat over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Stir in peppers.

To serve, transfer sweet potato hash to serving plate, top with two poached eggs, and cover eggs with hollandaise. Top with bacon strips and chives.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Better Homes and Gardens/BHG.com, Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023

2119. TOSTADAS with BEER-SPIKED PINTO BEANS, AVOCADO, PAPAYA and BACON

makes four servings


6 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained
2/3 cup beer
4 (6 inch) corn tortillas
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 quarts finely shredded Iceberg lettuce
1 cup salsa
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 (1 pound) firm-ripe papaya, peeled, seeded, and sliced

Cook bacon in a wide frying pan over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels; set aside. Spoon off and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from pan. Add onion, garlic, and chili powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until onions are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add beans and beer. Cook, stirring often, until hot, then coarsely mash beans with a potato masher. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Meanwhile, lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with oil (make sure to oil edges). Arrange tortillas well apart on two 12- by 15-inch baking sheets. Bake in a 475 degrees F oven until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes (switch position of baking sheets halfway through baking time).

To assemble tostadas, set one hot tortilla on each individual dinner plate. Spread tortillas equally with heated beans, then top with equal portions of cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Decoratively arrange avocado and papaya slices in a fan or other attractive pattern atop each tostada. Scatter bacon over fruit.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Safeway, Safeway Inc. M/S 10501, PO Box 29093, Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9093

2118. HALIBUT with SPICY HARISSA SAUCE with BACON, DATES and OLIVES

serves four


For the halibut
4 x 5½oz halibut fillets
4½oz plain flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
pinch paprika
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the spicy harissa sauce
7oz bacon lardons
7oz dates, stones removed, chopped
1 tablespoon ready-made harissa paste
2¾oz Madeira wine
3½fl oz chicken stock
20 black Kalamata olives

To serve
7oz cooked bulgar wheat or couscous
4 lemon wedges
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Sprinkle the flour onto a plate and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of paprika. Dredge the halibut fillets in the mixture until completely coated.

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned halibut fillets and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown on both sides.

Place a knob of the butter on top of each halibut fillet and continue to cook. When the butter has melted, baste the fillets in the melted butter until completely cooked through, then squeeze over the lemon juice and set the halibut fillets aside on a warm plate.

Meanwhile, for the spicy harissa sauce, dry fry the bacon in a separate frying pan for 6-8 minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown. Add the dates and harissa paste and stir well to combine, then reduce the heat and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the Madeira wine, stock and olives and continue to cook for a further 4-5 minutes, or until the volume of liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened.

To serve, divide the bulgar wheat or couscous equally among four serving plates. Place one fried halibut fillet on top of each. Pour over the Moroccan-style sauce and garnish with a lemon wedge. Sprinkle over the chopped fresh parsley.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Simon Rimmer, Something for the Weekend, BBC-Food

2117. SHAD ROE with BEETS, BACON and BALSAMIC

serves four


4 medium red beets
4 medium golden beets
1 fennel bulb, sliced
2 cloves garlic
1 apple, quartered
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 pieces shad roe
8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
sea salt, for serving
1/4 cup assorted coarsely chopped herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, and chives
1 cup frisee
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Place each variety of beet in a separate saucepan; divide fennel slices, garlic, apple pieces, 4 sprigs of thyme, bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons salt evenly between saucepans. Add enough water to each saucepan to cover contents by 4 inches. Place each saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil; immediately reduce heat to a simmer and cook until beets are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, 25 to 35 minutes. Drain and discard all contents except for beets.

Peel and quarter beets. Transfer each variety to its own bowl. Toss each with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt. Add shad roe and gently toss to coat, shaking off excess. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Place bacon slices in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp and fat has been rendered. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Remove all but 3 tablespoons bacon fat and discard. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, shad roe, and remaining 2 sprigs thyme to skillet. Cook for 1 minute and turn; add butter and continue cooking until shad roe reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees on an instant read thermometer, 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside.

To serve, divide beets, bacon, and frisee evenly between 4 plates. Place shad roe on each plate and sprinkle with sea salt and chopped herbs. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Bill Taibe, LeFarm, 256 Post Road E, Westport, Connecticut 06880 | The Martha Stewart Show, April 2010

2116. HONEY-ROASTED ONION TART with BACON

makes 6 appetizer servings


1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed
3 bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 large sweet yellow onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
nonstick vegetable oil spray
3/4 cup crème fraîche
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 375°F. Using lightly floured rolling pin, roll out puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 14x10-inch rectangle. Fold 1/2 inch of pastry edges in toward center on all sides, forming 13 x 9-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to large rimmed baking sheet. Press firmly on pastry edges with fork to form rim. Chill crust.

Cook bacon in small skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon drippings from skillet.

Whisk honey, wine, and reserved 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in large bowl. Add onions; toss to coat. Coat another large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Spread onion mixture in even layer on sheet. Roast 30 minutes. Turn onions over, allowing rings to separate. Roast until onions are caramelized, turning often for even browning, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven; cool onions slightly.

Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Mix crème fraîche, sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and nutmeg in small bowl. Using offset spatula, spread crème fraîche over crust to folded edge. Arrange onions atop crème fraîche. Sprinkle with bacon. bake tart until crust is light golden brown and topping is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with thyme and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, Bon Appétit, February 2011

2115. OXTAIL STEW with BUTTER BEANS and BACON

serves four


1¼ kilograms oxtail
4 teaspoons cornflour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons blackpepper
4 rashers bacon
2 medium onion
1 clove garlic
4 medium carrots
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
½ liter hot water
2 stalks scallions
1 sprig thyme
2 cans butter beans

Cut oxtail in bite size pieces, slice onions and carrots, crush garlic, chop tomatoes and finely slice scallion. Trim away excess fat and place oxtail pieces in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to scald. Dry well on absorbent paper and coat with corn flour. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in heavy bottom pot and brown each piece of oxtail on both sides, removing when brown. Pour off excess oil. Dice bacon and fry for few minutes. Return oxtail to pot with bacon along with carrot, onion, garlic, tomatoes and hot water. Cover and simmer gently for 3 hours or until oxtail is almost tender. Use a pressure cooker if possible, to shorten the cooking time. At this stage add more liquid if necessary and correct seasoning. Cover and simmer for a final 20-30 minutes. Add the butter beans and allow to simmer for 3 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Caribbean Choice, 21175 Tomball Parkway #394, Houston, Texas 77070

2114. FOUR CHEESE and BACON CAVATAPPI

5 slices bacon, cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 pound cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta

1 tablespoon bacon drippings
1/3 cup onion chopped fine
3 tablespoons white wine or dry Vermouth
1 stick butter
¼ cup flour
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup fontina cheese, grated
1 cup Emmentaler cheese, grated
1 cup New York sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced

1¼ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
½ teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook bacon, drain pieces and save drippings. Cook pasta according to directions on package.

Place a tablespoon of bacon drippings in a 4-quart saucepan on medium; add onions. Sauté until soft. Add wine and reduce by 80 percent. Add butter and flour to make a roux ; cook 6-7 minutes. Add milk and cream; bring to a slight simmer, stirring frequently. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat to low and add cheeses; fold until all are melted. Add sliced green onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine cheese sauce, macaroni and bacon. Pour the mixture into a greased 13x9 baking dish.

Put the bread crumbs in a mixing bowl and add Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Mix the melted butter and bacon drippings together and pour over top of dry mix and stir until mixture is well coated. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake 30 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Martin Tomek, Humble, Texas | Houston Chronicle, March 2, 2010

2113. SMOKY HAVARTI, LOBSTER and BACON MACARONI and CHEESE

serves 6-8


3/4 pound (12 ounces) cavatappi pasta
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces (about 2 cups) grated havarti cheese
4 ounces (about 1 cup) grated or chopped smoked cheddar cheese
1 cup coarsely chopped lobster meat
1/2 cup finely chopped cooked bacon
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400°F. Coat 10 ramekins with butter and place on a cookie sheet.

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan, over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in half and half, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and bring mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Havarti and Smoked Cheddar Cheese until melted and smooth.

In a large pot, stir together pasta, cheese sauce, lobster and bacon until combined; divide evenly into ramekins. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and drizzle on top of bread crumbs. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Emily Hobbs, Sugar Plum blog, February 17, 2011

2112. BACON-WRAPPED ARMAGNAC-DRUNKEN CAPON with PIG'S FEET and PUMPKIN BALLS

four servings


1 young capon, about 2.8 kg/6 lb.
2 large pig's feet, pre-cooked and quartered
9 oz. smoked bacon, in 16 thin slices
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper

Marinade
14 oz. carrot
7 oz. onion
3 cups red Madiran wine
1 large bouquet garni
6 cloves of garlic
2 large pieces of orange zest

Sauce and garnish
1 1/4 cups Armagnac
4 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 oz. flour
salt and pepper
16 balls of pumpkin, cooked in salted water
32 pearl onions
32 small white mushrooms
1 bunch of parsley

Marinating the capon - the day before: Cut the capon up into 16 pieces. Lay them out on a work surface and season with a few grindings of pepper; the salt will be provided by the bacon. Wrap each piece of capon in a slice of bacon. Fasten each bacon slice with a toothpick to keep it in place. Place the bacon-wrapped capon pieces in a bowl; cover with the diced carrot and onion, bouquet garni, garlic cloves, orange peel and Madiran wine.

Cooking the capon: The next day, drain the capon pieces and pat dry with a cloth. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. When it begins to smoke, brown the capon pieces for 5 minutes on each side. Drain the capon pieces and transfer to a preheated Dutch oven containing 50 g (3 tbsp.) of heated butter. Add the drained diced carrot and onion from the marinade (4); continue sautéing, sprinkling the sugar over top, then the flour, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spatula. Place the quartered pig's feet on top of the mixture. Pour on the Armagnac, flambé, and add the wine from the marinade (4) with the bouquet garni, garlic and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and cook in a low oven at a bare simmer for 1 3/4 hours. A half hour before the end of the cooking time, add the pearl onions and mushrooms, sautéed until golden brown, to the pot.

Finishing and serving: Once everything is cooked, remove the capon pieces, pig's feet, pearl onions, mushrooms and bouquet garni with a skimmer. Remove the toothpicks and keep everything hot. Pour the cooking liquid into a blender with half the diced carrot and onion and the orange peel. Purée to make a smooth sauce. Return the capon, pig's feet and remaining diced vegetables to the Dutch oven (or a more elegant serving dish, if you wish). Strain the sauce through a sieve and pour over the capon. Sprinkle the pearl onions, mushrooms and coarsely-chopped parsley over top. Garnish with 16 little pumpkin balls.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Michel Guérard, Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, Les Prés d'Eugénie, 40320 Eugénie-Les-Bains, France

2111. ROAST WOODCOCK with BACON and FOIE GRAS

1 woodcock
fat bacon
3 slices white bread, crusts removed
1/2 oz. foie gras
salt and pepper
1 pinch grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon cognac or armagnac
8 grapes, peeled and seeded

Pluck the woodcock but do not gut it. Truss it, bard it with fat bacon, and spit-roast it over or next to a hot fire for 18-20 min. Remove the entrails and discard all but the intestines. Meanwhile, fry the bread in the dripping pan or else separately in butter. Mince the intestines with foie gras and season this with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and brandy. Spread 2 of the slices of bread, halved, with this mixture and sprinkle a little more pepper over. Gratiner this in a very hot oven for a few minutes. Serve the woodcock atop the third piece of fried bread, with the 4 half-slices of bread around. Garnish with grapes and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: TradersCreek.com, 55 East Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095

2110. CHICKEN, ONIONS and BACON braised in ZINFANDEL

makes four servings


3 tablespoons butter
18 very small white onions
1½ cups chicken broth
one 3½-pound chicken, cut into serving pieces
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 thick slices peppered bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup Zinfandel or other spicy red wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, crushed
herb bouquet (½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 2 sprigs parsley wrapped in cheesecloth)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over moderate heat, add the onions, and brown them lightly on all sides. Add ½ cup of the broth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the onions for 20 minutes. Set aside.

On a plate, dredge the chicken pieces lightly in ½ cup of flour and set aside.

In a large, deep skillet, fry the bacon over moderate heat and drain on paper towels. Add the chicken to the skillet, cook till golden brown on all sides, and transfer to a plate. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to the fat in the skillet and stir for 5 minutes. Add the wine, increase the heat, and stir to collect the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining 1 cup of broth plus the tomato paste and stir till well blended. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the onions and bacon, the garlic, the herb bouquet, and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer till the chicken is tender, about 45 minutes, adding more broth if necessary.

Remove and discard the herb bouquet, transfer the chicken, onions, and bacon to a serving platter, and pour the sauce over the top. Serve hot.


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

2109. CRAWFISH SWEET POTATO CHOWDER with BACON and ROASTED CHILES

makes eight servings


1 large red bell pepper
4 large poblano peppers
1 large jalapeño pepper
6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
2 cups onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups half and half
1 cup whole milk
1 can mashed sweet potatoes, 15.5 ounces
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Creole mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 15 ounce can sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
1 1/2 pounds crawfish tails

Garnishes:
parmesan croutons
bacon pieces from above recipe
chopped scallions

Place bell, poblano, and jalapeño peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and place under oven broiler on top rack. Turn peppers so that all sides blister and blacken. Remove peppers from the oven, place in a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap so that the peppers steam. When peppers have cooled enough to handle, remove the blackened skins, stems, seeds and ribs and chop coarsely. Set aside.

In a 6-quart, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, cook bacon over low heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. (Bacon will be part of the garnish.)

In remaining bacon fat, add onion, celery and garlic and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken stock until flour mixture is smoothly incorporated into the stock. Add half and half, milk, mashed sweet potatoes and roasted peppers. Add salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, mustard, and Worchestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Add diced sweet potatoes and crawfish and allow to heat through, 1 to 2 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with Parmesan croutons, bacon and scallions.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Penelope Malcolm, Americus, Georgia, 1st Place Winner (Soups Category), Sweet Rewards Recipe Contest, Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission and Louisiana Cookin Magazine

2108. GOUDA, BACON and LEEK PANCAKE

serves four


8 bacon slices
2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), coarsely chopped
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup firmly packed shredded Gouda (about 4 ounces)

Preheat oven to 425°F. Using heavy 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet, fry bacon over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings from skillet. Add leeks to skillet and sauté over medium heat until tender and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.

Combine eggs, milk, flour, mustard and sugar in processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Scatter bacon over leeks in skillet. Pour egg mixture over. Sprinkle Gouda over. Transfer to oven and bake until pancake puffs and cheese melts, about 15 minutes. Loosen pancake from skillet. Cut into wedges and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Bon Appétit, October 1991

2107. ROAST BEEF and BACON CLUB SANDWICH

serves four


1 pound roast beef, thinly sliced
1 French baguette, cut into four equal servings and sliced in half
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 ounces blue cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
mayonnaise
12 slices bacon
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brush French bread with olive oil and toast cut side up. Remove from oven and cool slightly, spread blue cheese on one half of each sandwich. Add chopped chives and fresh ground pepper. Spread mayonnaise on remaining slices. To assemble, arrange 4 ounces of roast beef on blue cheese side of sandwich. Top with bacon, tomato and red onion. Slice each sandwich in half and serve.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Certified Angus Beef® , Certified Angus Beef LLC, 206 Riffel Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691

2106. TOMATO, BASIL and BACON CLAM CHOWDER

makes 4 servings


4 thick slices streaky bacon, cut into pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 dozen littleneck clams, shucked and chopped, with liquor reserved
2 cups water
½ cup dry vermouth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 medium red potato, peeled and diced
4 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
salt

In a 4- to 5-quart pot, fry the bacon over moderate heat till crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Pour all but about 2 tablespoons of fat from the pot, add the onion and celery, and stir till softened, about 5 minutes.

In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the reserved clam liquor, the water, vermouth, and tomato paste and add to the onion mixture. Add the potato, tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper, stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer till the potato is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the clams, stir well, cover, and continue to simmer 2 to 3 minutes. (Do not overcook the clams.)

To serve, ladle the hot chowder into heavy soup plates or bowls and sprinkle crumbled bacon over the tops.


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

2105. BABY ARUGULA SALAD with BACON, BOURSIN, POACHED EGGS and CIDER VINAIGRETTE

serves two


4 cups baby arugula
4 slices bacon, cooked, diced
1/4 cup herbed Boursin cheese, crumbled
4 eggs, poached
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and ground pepper, to taste
cayenne pepper, to taste

Toss the arugula, bacon, and boursin to combine. Re-warm the poached eggs in barely simmering water, if needed. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, shallots, and mustard together to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the arugula mixture, and toss to coat. Top the salad with poached eggs. Finish with a pinch of cayenne.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Erin, The Apartment Kitchen, October 15, 2009

2104. HOT BACON and OAT COBBLER

1 or 2 cans concentrated vegetable soup
2 oz. butter or margarine
salt and pepper to taste
grated cheese
3-4 rashers bacon
6 oz. self raising flour
2 oz. rolled oats
1 egg
milk to make
1/4 pint with the egg

Cut bacon into small pieces and fry. Sieve flour and seasonings into basin. Add rolled oats. Mix thoroughly. Rub margarine in lightly. Add bacon. Beat egg and milk together. Pour over dry ingredients. Mix with palette knife. Roll out on floured board to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into rounds. Put the vegetable soup into a casserole and meanwhile heat for about 10 minutes in a moderately hot oven (400°F). Arrange rounds of scone on top, sprinkle with grated cheese to give them an attractive glaze. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes in a hot oven (425-450° F).


bacon recipe courtesy of: ifood.tv, Silicon Valley/New York/India

2103. FILLET STEAK in MADEIRA SAUCE with BACON MASHED POTATO, CARROTS and GREEN BEANS

serves one


For the bacon mashed potato
2 potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons butter
3½ fl oz double cream
small handful fresh chives, chopped
1¾ oz bacon, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the green beans
3½ oz green beans, trimmed
2 free-range egg yolks
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons red wine
3 fl oz double cream
1 tablespoon butter
½ onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
½ beef stock cube, crumbled
small handful fresh chopped parsley leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the carrots
5 baby carrots, scrubbed and trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons caster sugar
pinch salt
freshly ground black pepper

For the fillet steak
1 x 7 oz fillet steak
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
2 fl oz Madeira wine

For the Madeira sauce
1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
4¾ fl oz Madeira wine
3½ fl oz red wine
2 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

For the mashed potato, cook the potatoes in boiling, salted water for 12-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well, add the butter and mash until smooth, then stir in the cream and chopped chives.

Heat a frying pan over a medium heat, add the chopped bacon and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown. Drain. Stir the bacon into the mashed potato. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the green beans, bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender. Drain well, refresh in cold water and set aside.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, red wine vinegar and red wine together. Add the cream and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat until foaming. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.

Add the cooked beans and the crumbled stock cube, then pour in the egg mixture and stir well to coat all of the beans. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Blanch the carrots by bringing a separate pan of salted water to the boil. Add the carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just tender, then drain and refresh in cold water.

Heat the butter and oil in a separate frying pan over a medium heat, then add the blanched carrots and sugar and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden-brown. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the fillet steak, season the steak, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the butter in a frying pan over a high heat until foaming, then add the steak and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown on both sides.

Pour the Madeira wine over the steak and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove the fillet steak from the pan, reserving the pan and any juices.

Transfer the fillet steak to a baking tray and cook in the oven for a further 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.

For the Madeira sauce, heat the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the shallots and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.

Add 3½fl oz of the Madeira wine to the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the volume of liquid has reduced by half.

Add the red wine and continue to simmer for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the volume of liquid has reduced by one third.

Add the remaining Madeira wine and a tablespoon of water to the reserved pan juices in the pan the steak was cooked in. Heat the wine for 1-2 minutes over a medium heat, scraping any browned bits up from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Sieve the juices, reserving the liquid.

Add the sieved juices to the Madeira sauce. Whisk in the butter until it has melted, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

To serve, place the fillet steak into the centre of a serving plate. Spoon the carrots, green beans and mashed potato alongside. Drizzle over the Madeira sauce.


bacon recipe courtesy of: James Tanner, Step Up to the Plate, BBC Food

2102. ROASTED WILD RABBIT and BACON with LEMON, THYME and PARSLEY STUFFING

serves four


1 lb 4 oz (560 g) wild rabbit joints, or boneless rabbit, same weight
12 rashers dry-cure streaky bacon, derinded and cut in half
1 large onion, peeled and sliced finely into rings
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 level tablespoon fresh chopped thyme, plus a few sprigs
10 fresh sage leaves dipped in olive oil
salt and freshly milled black pepper

For the stuffing:
grated zest ½ small lemon
½ level tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
1 level tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
6 oz (175 g) pork sausage
1 heaped dessert spoon fresh white breadcrumbs
½ onion, finely chopped
2 oz (50 g) Bramley apple, peeled and very finely chopped
salt and freshly milled black pepper

For the sauce:
5 fl oz (150 ml) Sercial (dry) Madeira (or dry cider)

Preheat the oven to gas mark 7, 425°F (220°C).

Spread the onion rings all over the baking tray in a single layer then scatter over the crushed garlic and thyme. Now season the rabbit joints and arrange them on the bed of onions. After that, drape the bacon rashers over the rabbit pieces.

Next, make the stuffing by mixing all the ingredients together and forming the mixture into 12 small balls. Place these among the rabbit joints then tuck in the thyme sprigs here and there. Place the baking tray in the oven on a high shelf and cook for 20 minutes. Then top each piece of rabbit with a sage leaf dipped in olive oil. Roast for another 15-20 minutes or until the bacon and sage are crispy and the rabbit is cooked.

Now remove everything to a warmed serving dish, place the roasting tray over direct heat and add the Sercial Madeira to the juices. Bring to a simmer and bubble for about 5 minutes until reduced by about a third. Check the seasoning then pour the sauce over the rabbit and stuffing. Serve with crisp roast potatoes and a green vegetable.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Delia Online, NC Internet Ltd, PO Box 1124, Knaphill GU21 9AA, London, UK

2101. WOMBOK with BACON and GREEN BEANS

serves four


olive oil spray
6 short cut bacon rashers, coarsely chopped
250 grams green beans, topped, halved diagonally
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 fresh red birdseye chili, deseeded, finely chopped
240 grams (4 cups) finely shredded wombok (Chinese cabbage)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
fresh coriander leaves, to serve

Spray a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until brown. Add the beans, garlic and chilli and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until beans are bright green and tender crisp. Remove from heat. Add the wombok and gently toss until wombok just wilts. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Divide wombok mixture among serving plates and sprinkle with coriander. Top with sesame pork and serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Kim Meredith, Good Taste, April 2006

2100. CAESAR SALAD with MAPLE-BRUSHED BACON

serves six


½ ciabatta loaf
about 250ml olive oil
200 grams rindless streaky bacon
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 little gem lettuces
about 100 grams marinated anchovy fillets (not tightly packed in oil)
about 100 grams thin shavings parmesan cheese
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dressing:
1 fat clove garlic, roughly crushed
2 tablespoons grated fresh parmesan
1 large free-range egg
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 anchovy fillets, from above
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Make the croutons first. Cut the bread into approximately 1.5cm cubes and put into a shallow bowl. Trickle over about 100ml of the oil and toss well into the cubes. Spread on a baking sheet.

Heat the oven to 190C/Gas 5, and bake the bread cubes for about 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice until golden-brown. Remove to cool and crisp.

Lay the bacon on a sheet of nonstick baking parchment in a single layer. Top with another layer of paper and another baking sheet. Bake the bacon for about 10 minutes, then remove the top sheet and paper layer. Brush the rashers with the maple syrup and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or so until crisp and glazed. Remove, cool and break into bite-sized pieces. Set aside with the cubes.

Separate out the lettuce leaves, wash and spin if necessary, then tip into a large food bag and chill until ready to serve.

Reserve three anchovy fillets for the dressing, and separate out the others, ready for serving.

To make the dressing, put everything into a blender from the garlic to the Worcestershire sauce. Blitz until smooth and creamy, then slowly, with the blades still running, trickle in the remaining 150ml oil to a smooth emulsion. Add some hot water to thin the dressing down a little so it mixes into the leaves nicely.

When ready to serve, divide the leaves between six medium-sized plates. Trickle over the dressing, and scatter on the bread cubes, anchovies and crispy bacon. Top each serving with parmesan shavings.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gordon Ramsay, The Times, London, UK, October 3, 2007

2099. ROAST PORK CHOP with MUSHROOM, BACON, CORNICHONS and CREAM SAUCE

serves four


4 1" thick pork chops
2 cups white wine
2 cups chicken stock, may substitute with veal stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion medium diced
4 bacon strips cut medium dice
button mushrooms, cut in quarters
6 each cornichons, medium dice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
a pinch of thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Sauté bacon until crisp, then add onion, mushrooms, tarragon, cornichons, thyme and bay leaf. Toss briefly to coat; add wine and reduce by 1/2. Add chicken stock; reduce by 1/2. Add cream and sugar; reduce. Season and set aside. Preheat oven to 400.

While reducing sauce, sauté both sides of the pork chops quickly over high heat to seal the meat and color it, and place the chops in an oven proof casserole and, when the sauce is reduced, pour over the chops enough to cover. Let chops cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Remaining sauce to be ladled over chops at time of service.


bacon recipe courtesy of: the former La Bohème Restaurant of Carmel, California, as listed in the United States Restaurant Guide, 1998

2098. BACON NACHOS

yields four servings


8 slices bacon
8 oz tortilla chips
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup green enchilada sauce (or red enchilada sauce)
1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
1 large tomato, diced
1 avocado
1 jalapeno, fresh, sliced
4 tablespoons light sour cream

Chop bacon strips into 1/2 inch pieces. cook bacon pieces over medium to medium high heat, depending on your stove, until evenly browned. Drain bacon pieces and set aside. Prepare all remaining ingredients and set aside. Place tortilla chips on an oven safe dish. Top with cheddar cheese and drizzle with green chili enchilada sauce. Place nachos under a broiler for about 1 minute or until cheese has melted. Immediately top nachos with remaining ingredients and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Brenda Beaman | adapted by Bacon Freak, 207 West Los Angeles Avenue, #346, Moorpark, California 93021

2097. ESCAROLE with BACON, DATES and WARM WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

yields four servings


1 7- to 8-ounce head of escarole, coarsely torn
6 Medjool dates, halved, pitted, diced
1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted
5 bacon slices, cut crosswise into strips
1/3 cup walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
fine sea salt

Combine escarole, dates, and walnuts in large bowl. Cook bacon in medium skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Add bacon to bowl with salad.

Discard drippings from skillet; add walnut oil. Place over low heat. Add shallot; sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; add vinegar and whisk to blend. Season vinaigrette with sea salt and black pepper. Gradually add warm dressing to salad, tossing to coat. Divide among plates.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Myra Goodman and Sarah LaCasse, Bon Appétit, February 2011

2096. BUFFALO TERIYAKI and BACON WINGS

Marinade:
1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

Sauce:
1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cayenne
2 strips of bacon (preferably smoked), cooked very crisply, crumbled.
10-15 chicken wings (about 2 lbs)

Combine 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot and 1/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce in a ziplock bag big enough to hold the wings. Add the wings, and give it a good shake to coat everything. Let it marinate for as long as you can.

When you are ready to make the wings, pull them out of the marinade an hour before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and let them dry in the fridge for at least an hour. Again, this is optional, but the more time they have to dry, the crispier they will be.

Heat the oven to 425. Bake the wings for about 40 minutes, until golden brown. If you have an elevated wire rack, arrange the chicken on the rack with a pan underneath. If not, you can do them right on the pan and flip halfway through. Drumsticks will take longer than wings, so keep that in mind if you are doing drumsticks as well.

Make the sauce. In a small saucepan combine the Frank’s, Teriyaki, butter, brown sugar, and cayenne. If you want a milder wing you can leave out the cayenne. Heat on medium low to melt the butter and the brown sugar. Adjust your heat level to taste with cayenne, or more Frank’s. Cook for 5-10 minutes on low to thicken.

Cook a strip or two of bacon. Crumble or dice. When the wings are done, pull them out of the oven. Add the bacon bits to the sauce and give it a quick stir. Toss the wings with the sauce, and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Drew, Le Chef's Kitchen, February 10, 2010

2095. FIDDLEHEAD FERN, BACON and SWISS CHEESE QUICHE

serves 6-8


Crust:
non-sweet pie crust or a homemade crust

Filling:
6 slices bacon, crisped
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced scallion or onion
salt, pepper
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 pint fiddlehead ferns

Cook crust according to directions. Combine eggs, milk and cream in a bowl. Add scallion and seasonings. Sprinkle half the cheese in the bottom of the shell, lay bacon and pour egg mixture over. Sprinkle rest of Swiss cheese, arrange Ferns on top and grate nutmeg over top. Bake at 375º for 30-40 minutes until set. Cool slightly and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Forest Mushrooms, Inc., 14715 County Road 51, Saint Joseph, Minnesota 56374

2094. RICE PILAF with SPINACH and BACON

makes 4 generous servings


1/4 cup butter
1 small onion minced
1 large oyster mushroom, chopped
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 colander full of fresh spinach washed and destemmed
4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

Melt butter in medium saucepan add onion and mushroom. Saute until tender about 5 minutes. Add rice, stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Put the lid on for a few minutes. The spinach wilts beautifully. Add bacon before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: The Teacher Cooks, May 28, 2010

2093. BARBECUE BACON GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

makes one sandwich


2 slices Texas toast
2-3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
2 oz sliced sharp or smoked cheddar cheese
4-6 slices cooked bacon
1 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
butter or margarine

Heat a skillet over medium. Spread the barbecue sauce over the bread slices, then over one slice arrange cheddar cheese slices, bacon over that, then sprinkle the Monterey Jack over the bacon. Top with remaining bread slice. Melt some butter or margarine in the skillet and place the sandwich on top of the puddle, scooting it around until the bread absorbs the butter. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until cheddar looks melted, then remove and melt more butter in the pan, flip the sandwich and cook additional 4 minutes and serve hot.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Veronica Miller, Recipe Rhapsody, April 20, 2010

2092. BUTTER BEAN, LEEK and BACON SOUP

yields four servings


8 oz dried butter beans
4 oz smoked streaky bacon
2 tablespoons of oil
1 bay leaf
1 oz butter
1 onion finely chopped
1 leek cleaned, trimmed and finely chopped
2 small stick of celery finely chopped
1 garlic clove
1½ pints of water
5 fl oz milk
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preferably soak the beans overnight by covering them with cold water and drain them before use.

Clean and finely chop the vegetables. Heat up one of the tablespoons of oil in a medium pan and cook the bacon for about 5 minutes till it is lightly crispy and golden brown. Add the bay leaf, 1½ pints of water to the pan along with the soaked butter beans. Bring the mixture to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until the beans are tender. Skim off any scum that appears on the surface. Heat the butter and the rest of the oil in another saucepan and add the remaining chopped vegetables. Stir well and coat everything in the butter and oil and cook over a low heat for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Tip everything into one pan and mix together well, throwing away the bay leaf. Next add the garlic, cover and simmer for a further 10 minutes until the beans and vegetables are really soft. Mash the beans against the side of the pan with a fork, this allows the beans to thicken the soup. Pour in the milk and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir well. Serve immediately and sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Cook UK (step by step recipes with pictures), 1 Gaydon Hill Farm Cottages, Gaydon, Warwick CV35 0HQ

2091. BACON-WRAPPED MAPLE-MUSTARD CHICKEN THIGHS

yields 4-6 servings


8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
16 strips bacon

Preheat grill according to manufacturer`s instructions for cooking by direct and indirect heat. If using charcoal grill, place coals on one side of grill, not covering entire charcoal bed. Thighs will be cooked over direct heat first and finally by indirect heat, opposite the heat source. Rinse thighs, pat dry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place maple syrup in shallow dish. Add mustard and yogurt and stir to combine. Dip thighs in syrup mixture, lightly roll up and wrap each with two strips of bacon to enclose. Secure with wooden toothpicks, if necessary. If bacon strips are long, one strip per thigh may be sufficient. Lightly coat grill with oil or cooking spray. Place thighs on preheated grill 4 to 6-inches above direct heat and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Move thighs to indirect heat side of grill and continue to cook with lid closed, about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Test thighs for doneness. Temperature should reach 160 degrees F. on meat thermometer. Return to direct heat to crisp bacon, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and place on serving platter. Remove toothpicks and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Mary, One Perfect Bite, July 13, 2009 | via Alex DeSantis, Pilgrim's Pride Chicken

2090. RIESLING-MARINATED CHICKEN with BACON-WRAPPED ONIONS

makes four servings


1/2 cup Riesling
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 head of garlic—1 small clove minced, the rest coarsely chopped
4 thyme sprigs
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 chicken breast halves, on the bone with wings attached
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped basil
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large red onion, cut lengthwise through the core into 8 wedges
one 1 1/2-pound butternut squash—halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 16 wedges
1 large apple—halved, cored and cut into 8 wedges
4 slices of bacon, halved crosswise

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the Riesling, onion, chopped garlic, thyme and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the chicken, seal the bag and let the chicken marinate, refrigerated, for 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.

Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small bowl, combine the vinegars, basil, mustard and minced garlic. Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the onion wedges on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with the dressing; toss to coat. On another rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash and apple wedges with 1 tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion has browned around the edges. Let cool.

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 inches from the heat. Wrap the onion wedges in the bacon and secure with toothpicks. Broil the onions for 3 minutes per side, or until crisp.

Turn the oven to 425°. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Scrape off the onions and garlic and pat dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to an oiled baking pan and roast, skin side up, until just cooked through, about 25 minutes. Reheat the onions, squash and apples while the chicken is cooking and serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Cory Schreiber, Food & Wine, October 1997

2089. BRUSSEL SPROUTS in RIESLING with BACON

serves eight


1½ lb Brussels sprouts, prepared
6 fl oz Riesling
4 oz smoked bacon rashers with rinds
1 level dessert spoon butter
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
salt and freshly milled black pepper

Cut the rinds off the bacon rashers and, in your very largest frying pan, melt the butter over a gentle heat. Keeping the heat to a minimum, add the bacon rinds to the pan and let them gently cook and release their fat, which will permeate the butter. Meanwhile snip the bacon rashers into small pieces, then add them to the pan along with the shallots and garlic to begin cooking.

While that's happening, place the sprouts in a steamer, sprinkle them with salt, and steam them over boiling water for 4 minutes or so which should be enough just to half-cook them. After that turn the heat up under the frying pan, add the sprouts and toss them around for 2 or 3 minutes or until they begin to take on a little colour.

Now turn the heat up high, pour in the wine and let it bubble and reduce while you constantly turn the sprouts over and over to soak up the flavour of the wine. As soon as the sprouts are tender and the wine has reduced to about 2 tablespoons, transfer them to a serving dish, add a little freshly milled pepper and serve straightaway.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Delia Online, NC Internet Ltd, PO Box 1124, Knaphill GU21 9AA, UK

2088. GREEN PEPPERCORN PHEASANT BREASTS with BACON

4 halved pheasant breasts
bacon, ample enough to wrap each half pheasant breast
2 cups dry red wine (such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Merlot)
1 chopped onion
3 finely chopped cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of tarragon
1 to 3 teaspoons of green peppercorns (add to suit your taste)
2 cups of heavy cream (whipping cream will do fine)

Cut the four pheasant breasts in half, and wrap them with bacon. You may want to use tootpicks to hold things together. Place the meat in a baking dish and place it under a broiler until the bacon is browned, turning the meat over once duringi the process. Remove the pan from the broiler and set the breasts on layered paper towels to drain off the hot grease.

Remove most of the excess grease from pan, and deglaze the pan with the wine. Pour the mixture into a sauce pan to make your sauce. Add to the saucepan the onion, garlic, tarragon, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a slow boil. Reduce the mixture by half by boiling off the lighter fluids.

Place the breast meat back in baking dish. After the sauce mixture has reduced by hald, add the cream. Stir the sauce well, and pour it over the breasts. Put the sauced pheasant breasts in the oven and slow cook them at 250 to 300 F for roughly an hour, or as long as two hours until tender. Serves delightfully over a dish such as risotto or rice pilaf


bacon recipe courtesy of: UplandLife.com

2087. JACKET POTATO with BACON, MUSHROOMS and PEPPERCORN SAUCE

yields four servings


4 medium-sized russet or other baking potatoes, well scrubbed
12 ounces bacon, chopped
8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
1/4 cup brandy
1 tablespoon green peppercorns, drenched in cold water
1 cup cream
salt and pepper
butter, for topping

Potato: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prick potatoes with a fork and bake until soft, about 1 hour.

Sauce: Saute bacon, add button mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Pour brandy first into a measuring cup (for safety) and then into the pan and carefully ignite with a long match. After the alcohol burns off and the flame has died, stir in the peppercorns. Stir in the cream and heat through, without boiling. Salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut open baked potatoes. Top each with a spoonful of butter, then cover generously with sauce.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Paula Deen, "English Pub Fare," Paula's Home Cooking, Food Network

2086. CORNMEAL-CRUSTED RAINBOW TROUT with CHEDDAR-BACON SPOON BREAD and BACON-CABERNET VINEGAR-WILTED GREENS

serves four


4 each de-boned rainbow trout fillets
cornmeal mixture for dusting (recipe below)
1 ounce canola oil

Cornmeal mixture: (mix all together)
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 bunch thyme, chopped
1/4 cup corn starch
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon salt

Cheddar-Bacon Spoon bread
1/2 lb. bacon, small dice
2 cups sharp cheddar, grated
6 ounces cornmeal
10 ounces cold water
2 ounces butter
2 each garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup milk
4 each egg yolks
4 each egg whites

Dredge the fish in the cornmeal mixture. Heat the oil in a sauté pan and pan fry the trout until golden brown on each side and cooked through.

Render bacon in a small pan until brown and semi-crunchy. Stir cornmeal into cold water in a sauce pan. Cook over medium heat and bring to a bubbling boil, stirring constantly. When it is thick about 60 seconds, remove from heat. Stir in the cheese, butter, garlic and salt. When the cheese is melted pour in the milk and combine. Stir in egg yolks and bacon bits. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold into the cornmeal mixture in three occasions. Pour mixture into a parchment paper-lined and well-greased pan. Bake for one hour at 325, it is done when you insert a wooden skewer and it comes out clean

Bacon Cabernet Vinegar Wilted Greens
1/2 pound bacon, rendered
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 bunches Swiss chard, washed and chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Wilt the Swiss chard in a sauté pan and deglaze with the vinegar and bacon. Add salt and pepper to taste.


bacon recipe courtesy of: California Cafe, Los Gatos & Palo Alto, California/Lone Tree, Colorado

2085. SMOKY RED LENTIL SOUP with BACON and CHEDDAR TOASTS

makes six servings


2 bacon slices, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion (1 large)
2 large carrots, quartered and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 cup red lentils (7 oz)
1 quart water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
6 (1-inch-thick) baguette slices, cut on a long diagonal
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 lb extra-sharp Cheddar, cut into 12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices

Cook bacon in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot (if your bacon renders less fat, add enough olive oil to bring total to 2 tablespoons), then add onion and carrots to bacon and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onion is softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pot, then reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, covered, until lentils are very tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper.

Preheat broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet or broiler pan and spread top of each slice with butter. Broil slices 6 inches from heat until pale golden, about 1 minute. Spread buttered sides with a thin layer of mustard, then top each toast with 2 slices of cheese and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 minute.

Serve soup with Cheddar toasts.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Gourmet, March 2006

2084. PIG'S LIVER CREME CARAMEL with ROASTED GRAPES and CRISPY BACON

yields eight servings


CARAMEL:
75 grams sugar
50 grams maple syrup
15 grams cabernet sauvignon vinegar

Place the sugar into a pot and bring it to a light caramel. Remove from the heat and add the maple syrup and vinegar. While still warm, lightly brush the insides of ramekins with the caramel mixture.


PIG LIVER MOUSSE:
100 grams cream
50 grams milk
3 grams kombu seaweed
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon curry spice
1/4 teaspoon Chinese Five-spice powder
1 grams dried shiitake mushroom
40 grams pig liver
1 egg

In a food processor puree the livers. Add eggs and pulse to combine. (Do not run at high speed or it will get frothy). Over medium heat combine cream, milk, kombu, dried shiitakes, soy sauce, and spices and bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. Combine the egg/liver puree with the cream mixture and pass through a fine chinoise. Pour the custard into caramel lined ramekins. Place the ramekins into a bain marie, cover with foil, and bake at 325 degrees for about 10-12 minutes (the middle should be wobbly). Remove from the bain marie and allow to come to room temperature.


ROASTED CALIFORNIA GRAPES:
75 grams California seedless red grapes
8 grams extra virgin olive oil
pinch of Maldon salt
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 inch piece of rosemary
a few grinds pepper
8 grams cabernet sauvignon vinegar
8 grams maple syrup

Place grapes, olive oil, cinnamon, bay leaf, rosemary, salt and pepper in a saute pan and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grapes brown and blister. Add the vinegar and the maple syrup and remove from the heat. Allow to cool to room temperature.


To Serve:
a few sprigs of watercress
truffle oil
pancetta - fried until crispy
brioche - sliced and toasted

To unmold the creme caramels, give them a little jiggle back and forth to loosen them within the ramekin. Place a plate over the top of the ramekin and flip it over, allowing the creme caramel to fall onto the plate. Add a little bit of flourish (and herbaceous goodness) with a few watercress sprigs and drizzle with truffle oil, and spoon some grapes around the mousse. Place a crispy piece of bacon next to the creme caramel and serve with toasted bread.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Brad Farmerie, Executive Chef of Public, 210 Elizabeth Street, New York, New York 10012

2083. BACON SATAY with PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

yields 60 pieces


1 pound of thick cut bacon
1½ cups of peanut sauce
1 can of coconut milk
1 teaspoon of sugar, to taste
cooking spray

Prepare the pan(s): Wrap a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Take a cooling rack that fits just inside the sheet pan and spray it with cooking spray and place on top of the sheet pan, or cookie sheet with sides. This is the ideal and easiest way to make this with the least mess and clean up. Especially if you’re making multiple batches. If you don’t have the cooling racks, at least wrap the sheet pan in foil. Note: You cannot make this on a flat cookie sheet.

Prepare the peanut sauce: Empty one can of coconut milk into a saucepan and add ½ cup of the peanut sauce and the sugar. Stir over medium high heat for about 15-20 minutes until sauce starts to boil and thicken. The sauce can burn easily, especially on the bottom, so keep a careful eye on it. It will thicken more upon cooling. It should be the consistency of a thick cream sauce.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 1 cup of the peanut sauce in shallow dish. Add strips of Bacon to dish and press mix against bacon and turn to coat completely on both sides. Transfer bacon strips to prepared pan. Bake bacon until cooked about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the coating doesn’t burn, it can happen very quickly. I will usually rotate the pan at least once to make sure everything cooks evenly. Transfer to separate rack and cool. Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cut cooked bacon into 2” pieces and thread onto skewers. Serve on tray with warmed peanut sauce.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Amy Jurist, "Entertaining with Bacon!" demo, Surfas Los Angeles, 8777 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, California 90232, October 11, 2009

2082. POTATO NAPA CABBAGE, APPLEWOOD BACON, MUSHROOM and LEEK CASSEROLE

yields six servings


3 medium potatoes, peeled, washed and very thinly sliced
2 cups leeks, julienned
3 cups Napa cabbage, julienned
1/2 cup applewood bacon, diced
2 cups sauteed assorted sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
1/2 stick of butter, melted
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat a large sauté pan and add the bacon, once the fat starts rendering out, add the leeks, garlic and Napa cabbage. Saute for 3 minutes; add the mushrooms. Season this mixture to taste, set aside. Place this mixture on a 9x12-inch baking pan and layer the potatoes evenly to cover the mixture completely. Melt the butter and drizzle over the potatoes; season again to taste. Place in the oven until the potatoes brown well, remove and let cool at room temperature. With a ring cutter, cut 1-1/2-inch circles, chop the excess; divide equally among half the rings. Place a ring from the uncovered half on top of the covered ones and reheat at 375 degrees F; serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Tim Creehan, Beach Walk Restaurant, Crystal Beach, 2700 Scenic Highway 98 East, Destin, Florida | Idaho Potato Commission, 661 South Rivershore Lane, Suite 230, Eagle, Idaho 83616

2081. PUMPKIN, MUSHROOM and BACON ORZO

serves two


1 cup orzo
1/2 cup chopped bacon
1 onion, diced
1 basket mushrooms, quartered
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
2 tablespoons minced herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, etc.)
1 tablespoon butter
shaved parmesan cheese, as needed to garnish

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until about halfway done, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat. Cook until crisp. Remove from pan and reserve. Add the onions to the rendered bacon fat and saute until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue to saute until tender. Season the vegetables generously with salt and pepper. Deglaze the pan with the vinegar. Add the broth and pumpkin, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo and continue to simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the orzo is completely tender, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the herbs and butter. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve garnished with parmesan cheese.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Erin, The Apartment Kitchen, October 13, 2010

2080. PAN-ROASTED OCEAN SCALLOPS with BACON, KALAMANSI and SAKE

serves one


4 large sea scallops
1 teaspoon canola oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon bacon lardons
1 tablespoon kalamansi (may substitute with lemon or lime)
1 tablespoon sake (may subtitute with white wine or omit)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
seasonal greens, sauteed, for accompaniment

Heat and lightly oil pan. Saute bacon until brown. Season scallops to taste. Sear scallops evenly on both sides (approximately 4-5 minutes). Remove scallops from pan and deglaze pan with kalamansi and sake. Finish sauce with butter. Serve over sauteed greens.


bacon recipe courtesy of: New Asian Cuisine: Fabulous Recipes by Celebrity Chefs by Wendy Chan and Grace Niwa. International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, 2006

2079. BACON-FRIED CHICKEN with GRAVY

serves four


8 strips bacon
3⁄4 cup flour
1 3–4- lb. chicken, cut into 8–10 pieces, rinsed and patted dry with paper towels
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1–2 tablespooons bacon grease
1 1⁄2 cups light cream
2 tablespooons brandy
1–2 dashes Tabasco

Preheat oven to 200°. Lay strips of bacon in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet and cook on the stovetop over medium heat, turning often, until browned and crisp, 12–15 minutes. Meanwhile, put 3 tbsp. of the flour into a small bowl and set aside. Put remaining flour into a wide dish, dredge chicken in the flour, shaking off excess, and set aside.

Transfer bacon to paper towels to let drain, then put on a plate and keep warm in oven. Pour grease from skillet into a heatproof bowl and wipe out browned bits from bottom of skillet. Return grease to skillet, straining out any sediment, and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken legs and thighs, skin side down, to skillet, season to taste with salt and pepper, and fry, turning occasionally, until well browned all over, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate as done. Repeat with chicken breasts and wings. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet, reduce heat to medium, and continue to cook until chicken is cooked through, 15–20 minutes more. Put chicken on a heatproof platter as done and keep warm in oven.

Measure rendered fats from skillet; add additional bacon grease or pour off excess fat to yield 3 tbsp. Return fat to skillet and heat over medium heat until hot. Whisk in reserved flour and cook for 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Add brandy and Tabasco to gravy, season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring 15–30 seconds more. Serve chicken and bacon together with gravy on the side.


bacon recipe courtesy of: James Beard's American Cookery by James Beard. Little, Brown and Company, 1972 | Saveur, Issue #82

2078. OYSTER, BACON and SWISS CHARD GRATIN

makes eight servings


3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 bunches Swiss chard, chopped
2 cups heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
18 oysters, chopped
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
2/3 cup bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add the onion, garlic and butter and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and squeeze out any excess liquid. Reserve the skillet. Add the cream and nutmeg to the skillet and boil until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Let cool. Stir the chard mixture into the cream. Add the oysters and 1/2 cup parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan and the bread crumbs; sprinkle over the gratin. Bake until golden and bubbling around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Allison Vines and Slade Rushing, Everyday with Rachael Ray, February 2008

2077. SUN-DRIED TOMATO and BACON BRUSCHETTA

makes twenty four


24 slices (1/2-inch-thick) baguette-style French bread (from 10-ounce loaf)
1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
3/4 cup finely shredded Fontina cheese (2 ounces)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Heat oven to 400°. Place bread slices in ungreased jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x1 inch. Place tomatoes in strainer over small bowl; press tomatoes to drain oil into bowl (2 to 3 tablespoons oil is needed). Brush oil on bread. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until crisp. Top bread slices with tomatoes, bacon and cheese. Bake about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., PO Box 9452, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

2076. LAMB and BACON SKEWERS with PETIT POIS A LA FRANCAISE

1 lamb backstrap, cut into cubes
2 rashers bacon
extra virgin olive oil
1 sprig rosemary, leaves removed
petit pois a la francaise
40 grams butter
1 white onion, finely chopped
4 cos lettuce leaves, shredded
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup white wine
olive oil

Thread the lamb and bacon on two skewers, threading the bacon in a concertina fashion. Place on a plate drizzle with oil and sprinkle rosemary.

For petit pois a la francaise, heat a medium saucepan over low heat, add butter, onion, lettuce and peas and cook for a 3-4 minutes or until ingredients start to soften. Add white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Cook a further 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Heat a char-grill pan over medium-high heat, brush skewers with oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until lamb is cooked to your liking.

Spoon petit pois a la francaise on a serving plate and top with lamb and bacon skewers. Serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Jared Ingersoll, Ready Steady Cook, Ten, April 29, 2008

2075. SHRIMP, BACON SWEET PEA PUREE, FETA and POMEGRANATE TOSTADAS

makes two tostadas


1 1/2 thick-slices bacon, fat rendered off, crumbled or sliced
1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
8 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
fresh pomegranate seeds
crumbled feta cheese
2 fried corn tortillas
fresh dill (optional garnish)
kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Sweet Pea Puree:
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup frozen sweet peas
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/4 - 1/3 cup milk
kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Make the sweet pea puree. Add canola oil to a small saute pan over medium heat. Once pan and oil are hot, add the onion. Sweat the onion over medium heat until soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add garlic to the pan. Cook for another minute. Add frozen peas to the pan. Raise heat to medium-high. Cook an additional 4-7 minutes or until peas have been heated through, stirring occasionally. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup milk then blend until smooth. If necessary add more milk to achieve a moist, smooth puree. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add 1 1/2 tbsp canola oil to a medium-sized saute pan over med-high to high heat. Season all sides of shrimp with granulated garlic, kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Once the pan is hot, just BEFORE the oil begins to smoke. add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 1 1/2 minutes per side (3 minutes total) until just cooked through. Shrimp will be completely white and not longer translucent when fully cooked. Remove from heat a begin assembling tostadas.

To assemble, take one fried corn tortilla and spread a layer of pea puree over it. Gently layer shrimp, feta, bacon, pomegranate and dill over the pea puree. Repeat with second tortilla. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Amanda Simpson, FoodPornDaily

2074. SOLE poached in CIDER SAUCE with PARSLEY and BACON CRUMBS and CAVOLO NERO

serves two


For the parsley bacon crumbs
3 rashers treacle-cured bacon
small handful parsley, leaves and tender stems only
handful stale breadcrumbs

For the cavolo nero
5oz cavolo nero (Italian kale), thickly shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
knob of butter
1 garlic clove, finely diced

For the sole
about 10 live mussels, cleaned and debearded
10fl oz good quality dry cider
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 banana shallot, finely diced
1 fresh bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 fillets sole
3½fl oz fish stock
about 5 tablespoons double cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the parsley bacon crumbs, fry or grill the bacon until really crisp then drain on kitchen paper. Place in a food processor along with the parsley and breadcrumbs and pulse until you have a crumbly consistency. Set aside.

For the cavolo nero, blanch the cavolo nero in a pan of salted water for 3-4 minutes, or until just tender. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel.

Heat the oil and butter in a frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the garlic for one minute until fragrant then add the cavolo nero and fry for 3-4 minutes. Keep warm.

For the mussels, if any of the mussels are open, tap them lightly on a hard surface. If they don't close, discard them.

Place the mussels in a pan with a splash of the cider, cover the pan and steam over a high heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that haven't opened. Remove the meat from the shells and set aside. Discard the shells.

Heat the olive oil in a wide pan over a medium heat and fry the shallots with the bay leaf and thyme for a minute or two. Lay the fish on top of the shallots and pour in enough of the cider and fish stock to just cover the fish (you may not need all of it). Simmer for about three minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked. Carefully remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.

Increase the heat to high and boil the liquid for 3-4 minutes until reduce in volume by half. Remove the bay leaf and thyme then stir in the cream and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mussels into the sauce then place the fish on top again and cook for a minute or two until heated through.

To serve, place the cavolo nero onto serving plates and top with the sole. Spoon over the sauce and sprinkle with the bacon parsley crumbs.


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

2073. LEMONY-BACON FARFALLE with SPINACH or SWISS CHARD

1 box of farfalle
splash of olive oil
½ package of bacon, diced
1 red or yellow onion, sliced into ringlets
3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 tub of mushrooms, sliced
1-2 bags of spinach or 1 bunch of swiss chard, green parts, cut into ribbons
pine nuts, toasted, as many or as few as you like
juice of one lemon
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Cut the lemon in half. Start pasta water. While the water is heating, toast pine nuts in a small pan and set aside. Splash the olive oil, barely enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook the bacon until very crispy. Take out of pan and drain on paper towels. If there is a lot of grease left in the pan, drain off so that there is still a thin coating on the bottom. Cook onions well, till almost caramelized. At about the time the onion is cooking, the pasta water will boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente, around 9 minute, or according to the directions on the box. Meanwhile, add garlic and mushrooms. When the liquid from the mushrooms comes out, add the spinach or chard and let it wilt. Squeeze half of the lemon over this mixture and toss lightly. Drain pasta and put on a large plate. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon on the pasta and toss gently. Toss together the vegetables and pasta. Add bacon, toasted pine nuts and Parmesano-Reggiano cheese and toss once more.


bacon recipe courtesy of: feeding my ohana

2072. BACON and HABANERO INFUSED VODKA

makes 1 liter


6 strips of bacon
3 habanero chili peppers
2 serrano chile peppers
1 liter good quality vodka

Add strips of bacon to a dry, cold, large skillet. Warm the skillet over low heat. Cook bacon until crispy, flipping the bacon several times throughout the process. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside to cool.

Remove the stems from each chili pepper and slice in half lengthwise. Add peppers (with seeds) to a large, airtight jar. Once cooled, add bacon to the same jar. Fill the jar with vodka to cover the bacon and peppers. Seal the jar and let steep for 7 days in the refrigerator. (see note)

After 7 days, strain the vodka through a cheese cloth lined fine mesh basket strainer into a clean jar or bottle. If you see any major particles floating in the vodka, strain a second time. Discard the bacon and peppers. Store in the refrigerator.

NOTE: Letting the vodka steep with the chili peppers for 7 days will result in an extremely spicy infusion. If you have a low heat tolerance, steep for a shorter period of time. You can start tasting half way through and strain the infusion once you reach your desired heat level. Keep in mind that this vodka will be used in a bloody mary. You want it to be overly spicy because the tomato juice will turn down the heat level a bit.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Brandon Matzek, Kitchen Konfidence, San Diego, California, December 9, 2010 | Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar, 802 5th Avenue, San Diego, California 92101

2071. GREEN BEANS with BACON and HAZELNUTS

makes 4 servings, 3/4 cup each


1 teaspoon canola oil
1 large shallot, minced
1 pound green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup water
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring, until starting to brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add green beans and cook, stirring often, until seared in spots, 2 to 3 minutes. Add water; cover, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes for tender-crisp or 6 minutes for tender. Remove from heat and stir in bacon, hazelnuts and salt.


bacon recipe courtesy of: EatingWell Magazine, December 2005/January 2006

2070. FRISEE and RADISH SALAD with BACON and HAZELNUT DRESSING

makes 4 to 6 servings


1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1/2 cup hazelnuts (2 ounces), coarsely chopped
4 bacon slices
1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 small heads frisée (about 10 ounces total)
4 medium radishes, thinly sliced

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add hazelnuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool slightly in skillet.

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Break bacon into 1-inch pieces.

Purée hazelnuts (with any remaining cooking oil), vinegar, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining vegetable oil, and reserved bacon fat in a blender just until nuts are finely chopped (dressing will be thick and slightly chunky).

Toss frisée, radishes, and bacon with dressing.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Kay Chun, Gourmet, January 2011

2069. BACON, PEARL ONION and ROSEMARY QUICHE

makes 1 quiche (about 10 inches round)


1 cup bacon cut into chunks
1 cup pearl onions
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
salt and pepper
1 pastry crust or tart shell

Preheat oven to 180 C/350 F degrees. In a pan over medium high heat, cook the bacon for 3-4 minutes. Add the onions and fresh rosemary, and continue to cook until the onions start to caramelize. Remove from heat and let cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, salt and pepper. Stir in the cooled bacon and onion mixture. Pour into tart shell. Bake for 10 minutes at 180 degrees. Then lower the heat and bake for another 35-45 minutes at 165 C / 320 F degrees until the filling is set.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Food & Passion... The Diary of a Food Enthusiast, Canada, October 18, 2010

2068. GRILLED SALMON with SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS, BACON and OYSTER SAUCE

serves four


1 lb. salmon fillet(s)
salt and pepper to taste
5 slices bacon cut into 1” squares
1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons Chinese oyster sauce
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chervil

Prepare your grill for direct heat (coals directly underneath the fish). Season the salmon with olive oil, salt and pepper and return to refrigerator until ready to grill (it’s almost always best to grill fish cold, but meat at room temperature).

In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce and the chicken broth. Set aside. Heat a heavy sauté pan over medium high heat for two or three minutes, then add the bacon. When crispy but not too dark, place bacon in a mesh strainer to drain the fat, and reserve 1-2 Tbsp of the fat in the pan.

To the pan add the shiitake mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the parsley. After 1-2 minutes add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the oyster sauce/chicken broth mixture and reduce over medium-high heat for several minutes. Keep warm.

Mop your hot charcoal grill with oil and then quickly put the salmon on the grill – if you have skin on your salmon fillets, place the non-skin side down first, cooking for a long minute before flipping to the skin-side down. Grill the salmon until done to your liking – I like to use a fairly high heat so the skin gets crispy and the center is still pink and moist. Note, salmon often takes longer to cook than is often thought.

Meanwhile, back on your stove top - crumble the bacon into the sauce and combine. Top each salmon fillet with sauce and garnish with chopped parsley or chervil.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Dave the Wine Merchant, 3053 Fillmore Street #183, San Francisco, California 94123, June 22, 2010

2067. FRIED RICE with BACON, SCALLIONS and WATER CHESTNUTS

serves 2 to 4 as a side dish


3 bacon slices
1 large carrot
1 celery rib
4 scallions
half an 8-ounce can water chestnuts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
cayenne to taste
3 cups cooked white rice (preferably medium-grain)

Cut bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely dice carrot and celery. Thinly slice scallions. Rinse and drain water chestnuts and finely chop.

In a large nonstick skillet cook bacon over moderately low heat, stirring, until almost crisp. Add carrot and celery and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add scallions and water chestnuts and cook, stirring, until scallions are softened. Stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring, until mixture is combined well and heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Susan Ueki, Pasadena, California | Gourmet, January 1999

2066. BAKED OYSTERS with BACON and LEEKS

serves four


12 fresh kumomoto oysters, cleaned & shucked
2 ounces trout roe
4 ounces applewood smoked bacon, diced
1 cup leeks, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons white wine
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chives, chopped

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Saute bacon and leeks until lightly browned, add thyme and saute 1 minute. Add wine and cook until absorbed and remove from heat. Melt butter in small skillet add flour and whisk 1 minute. Add cream and whisk until mixture thickens. Add cream, bacon mixture and cheese. Stir to combine and season with salt & pepper. Place oysters on the half shell on a baking sheet and spoon a tablespoon of mixture over each one. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until mixture bubbles and breadcrumbs are browned, about 5-8 minutes. To serve, top each oyster with a sprinkling of chopped chives and a generous spoonful of trout roe.


bacon recipe courtesy of: California Caviar Company, 2269 Chestnut Street, No. 266, San Francisco, California 94123

2065. BROOK TROUT roasted with SAGE, WALNUTS and BACON

yields four servings


8 slices bacon, diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
15 sage leaves, coarsely chopped
4 trout (about 3/4 to 1 pound each), cleaned, scaled, gills removed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
lemon wedges and watercress sprigs for garnish

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a medium skillet, fry the bacon until it is cooked through and very lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Pour out excess bacon grease, return the skillet to the heat and add the shallot and walnuts. Toast, shaking the pan frequently, until the walnuts are very lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sage and reserved bacon.

Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper and brush the skin lightly with vegetable oil. Divide the bacon mixture between the four trout, stuffing it in the cavity of each fish. Place fish in a large roasting pan fitted with a rack or two smaller pans. Roast until the fish is just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the trout to plates and serve garnished with lemon wedges and watercress sprigs.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Molly O'Neill, "Sage Advice," The New York Times, Food Section, November 14, 1999

2064. APPLE-ROQUEFORT-BACON PIE

makes one 12-inch pie


All-Butter Pastry Pie Dough for a 12-inch double-crust pie, chilled
4 ounces thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon, diced
4 to 4 1/2 cups (2 to 2 1/4 pounds) apples
2 tablespoons dark honey, plus extra for drizzling on the top crust
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces Roquefort cheese

Preheat the oven to 450˚F.

In a big skillet over medium heat, sauté the bacon until it’s crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and leave about 3 tablespoons worth of the fat in the pan. Peel, core, and slice the apples 1/4 inch thick. In the same skillet, sauté the apples in the bacon fat over low heat, until the outer layer of apple softens a bit. Add the honey, flour, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir. Remove from the heat and add the bacon back. Allow the mixture to cool down.

Roll out the pastry and line a 12-inch pie plate with the bottom crust. Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust.

Scrape the filling into the bottom crust. Crumble the Roquefort on top and cover it with the second crust. Trim and crimp the crust; chill the pie for 10 minutes in the freezer. Cut vent slits in the top crust and drizzle the top with honey. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is blistered and blonde. Turn down the temperature to 350° and bake for at least 30 minutes more, or until the crust is golden brown and visible juices are thickened and bubble slowly through slits in top crust. Be patient, it could take up to an hour. Test apples for doneness by poking a wooden skewer down through the open vent slits of the top crust. Apples inside should yield to the skewer with slight resistance—cooked through but not mushy. Cool the pie before cutting. Serve it warm or at room temperature.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Bubby's Homemade Pies by Ronald M. Silver and Jen Bervin. Wiley 2007.