Monday, October 20, 2014

3451. SWEET PEA SALAD with SCALLION, BACON, and LEMON CREAM DRESSING

yields 4 side dish-sized servings 


Salad:
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
10 oz (285 g) frozen sweet green peas (not thawed)
3 scallions, green and white parts, thinly sliced
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, pulled from the stems
salt and black pepper

Dressing:
1/4 cup (60 ml) whipping cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 pinch salt

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; add the bacon and fry until crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain off the excess oil.

Fill a medium saucepan half-full with water and bring it to a rolling boil; add a generous sprinkling of salt. Stir in the frozen peas and time them for 45 seconds. Strain the peas and let them cool.

Combine the bacon, peas, scallion, parsley leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl, and then pour it onto a serving dish; chill until serving.

For the dressing, whip the cream until thickened enough so that when you spoon a dollop, it stays without spreading out too much. Whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and salt.

Right before serving, dollop the lemon cream dressing onto the salad.


bacon recipe source: Faith Gorsky, An Edible Mosaic (@AnEdibleMosaic), May 16, 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

3450. BACON-ALFREDO CASSEROLE

makes 12 servings 


1 box (1 lb) spaghetti
1/2 cup butter 
1/3 cup all-purpose flour  
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon pepper  
1 quart half-and-half 
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled  
1 bag (12 oz) frozen sweet peas, thawed 
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese  
1 egg, slightly beaten 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package; set aside. In same Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in half-and-half. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add cooked spaghetti, bacon, peas and 1 cup of the cheese; toss to coat spaghetti. Stir in egg. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until set and edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley. Cut into squares to serve.


bacon recipe source: Pillsbury, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, MN 55440

Saturday, October 18, 2014

3449. PORCINI MUSHROOM RISOTTO with BACON

yields eight cups 


3/4 cups (about 1/3 ounce) dried porcini mushrooms 
4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 
8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
1 medium onion, minced (about 1 cup) 
2 1/4 cups (about 1 pound) Arborio rice 
1/2 cup dry white wine 
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper 
dried bread crumbs 
 
Make the mushroom broth: Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan, completely submerge the mushrooms, and soak for 25 minutes. Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and slice into 1/2-inch pieces. Strain the water and return it to the saucepan; add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and keep warm. 
 
Make the risotto: Cook bacon in a large saucepan until crisp. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside; reserve fat. Sauté onions in 2 tablespoons bacon fat until translucent—about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook over medium heat until slightly translucent—about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until absorbed. Add 1 cup of hot broth, stirring constantly, and cook until absorbed, continue stirring and adding broth by the cupfuls until risotto is creamy and rice is cooked through but slightly al dente—about 25 minutes. Stir in the bacon, Parmesan, salt, and pepper and serve immediately or freeze (see below).
 
Freeze the leftover risotto: Shape 1/4 cupfuls of cooled risotto into 2-inch patties and coat with bread crumbs. Stack patties between sheets of waxed paper and transfer to an airtight container. Store frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, cook frozen patties in a lightly oiled or buttered skillet for 6 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Country Living2901 2nd Avenue South, Suite 270, Birmingham, AL 35233

Friday, October 17, 2014

3448. CAULIFLOWER COCONUT SOUP with CRISP BACON

yields four servings 


1 large cauliflower 
1 tablespoon coconut oil 
1 medium onion, diced 
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 
2 cups beef broth 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 
1/2 cup coconut milk 
8 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled

Cut cauliflower roughly into smaller pieces and set aside. Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil. Fry the onions, carrots and garlic for about 5 minutes or until they are softened. Add the cauliflower and fry until it becomes a little bit browned.

Add broth and 1 cup water, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer (covered) until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.

Puree the vegetables with a handheld blender in the pot. It is possible to use a regular blender for this step, but be careful that the hot liquid doesn’t spatter out.

Add salt, pepper and coconut milk then stir to combine. Top with crispy fried bacon bits and serve.


bacon recipe source: Simone Van Den Berg, Simone's Kitchen; on Relish.com

Thursday, October 16, 2014

3447. BARBECUED OYSTERS with BACON-CHILI-TAMARIND SAUCE

serves 8-10 people


230 grams (½ lb.) bacon rashers
80 grams (3 oz.) tamarind pulp, soaked in ¾ cup hot water for 30 minutes
160 grams (5.5 oz.) light palm sugar, crushed  
1 tablespoons fish sauce  
5 small red chillies, crushed in a mortar and pestle  
24 unopened oysters  
3 golden shallots, thinly sliced, to serve 
½ bunch Thai basil leaves, to serve To serve: lime halves
 
Remove rind from bacon and cook rind in a frying pan over medium-high heat until fat renders (5-10 minutes). Remove crackling from pan (it can be discarded or eaten by the cook). Finely chop remaining bacon, add to pan, stir occasionally until crisp and golden (10-15 minutes), then set aside on absorbent paper to drain.
 
Meanwhile, pass tamarind liquid through a sieve into a bowl (discard solids), add palm sugar and stir to dissolve. Add fish sauce and chilli and set aside.
 
Preheat barbecue to high heat, add oysters and barbecue until they pop open (3-5 minutes). Separate oyster lids from bases with a knife, top oysters with a little bacon, a drizzle of tamarind sauce, a scattering of shallot and a few Thai basil leaves and serve with lime halves.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Lisa Featherby, Gourmet Traveler (Sydney, NSW 2001 Australia), November 2013

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

3446. BALSAMIC BRAISED BEEF BRISKET with BACON and MUSHROOM

makes six servings


extra virgin olive oil
1 5-pound beef brisket 
kosher salt 
¼ lb slab bacon or 4 to 5 slices of bacon, cut into lardons 
4 onions, thinly sliced 
4 celery ribs, sliced thin on the bias 
4 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped 
1½ lb cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 
2 cups balsamic vinegar 
3 cups chicken stock 
1 thyme bundle 
4 bay leaves
Bunch fresh chives, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a large wide, shallow pan with olive oil and bring it to high heat. Season the brisket generously with salt and add it to the pan. Brown the meat well on all sides, about 20 minutes total. Remove the brisket from the pan and reserve. Ditch the oil. Add a few drops of fresh oil to the pan and toss in the bacon. Bring the pan to medium heat and cook until the bacon is brown and crispy, 6 to 7 minutes. Toss in the onions, celery, and garlic and season with salt. Cook until the veggies are tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook until evaporated by half, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with salt if needed. Transfer the mixture to a roasting pan and lay the brisket on top. Add the chicken stock and jiggle the pan to nestle everyone together comfortably. Toss in the thyme bundle and bay leaves. Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven. Braise the brisket for 1 hour, then turn and braise for 1 more hour. Remove the foil and cook for 30 minutes more. Remove the brisket from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid, taste, and reseason if needed. Slice the brisket against the grain on the bias. Serve drizzled with the sauce and sprinkled with chives.


bacon recipe source: Anne Burrell, Own Your Kitchen; Kitchen Daily

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

3445. BACON HABANERO RANCH BURGER


1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices of white cheddar cheese
bacon, cooked
tomato, sliced
lettuce
Habanero ranch sauce
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 habanero pepper, stemmed and seeded
1 clove garlic
1 green onion
dash white vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste

Habanero Ranch Sauce: Place all ingredients in food processor and puree until smooth.

Burgers: Heat a gas grill to high or heat coals in a charcoal grill until they glow bright orange and ash over. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Add the cheese, if using, to the tops of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and top with a basting cover, close the grill cover, or tent the burgers with aluminum foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties from grill, serve on bun, topped with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and habanero ranch sauce.


bacon recipe source: Tommy, SMAK: a food blog, September 11, 2014

Monday, October 13, 2014

3444. BLT PIZZA on NAAN BREAD

yields four pizzas


3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
4 pieces naan bread, frozen
1 teaspoon oregano, dried
1 cup tomatoes, sliced
3 slices bacon, cooked, broken into pieces
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, lite, shredded
1 handful arugula

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, olive oil and garlic; mix until combined. Spread mayonnaise mixture over naan and sprinkle with oregano. Evenly divide the bacon and tomatoes over naan. Top with mozzarella cheese. Place the pizzas on a cookie sheet; bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until naan is cooked and cheese is melted. Top with fresh arugula.


bacon recipe source: Jennifer (@JenatPBandP), Peanut Butter and Peppers, June 20, 2014

Sunday, October 12, 2014

3443. ROASTED CHICKEN, BACON and TOMATO ALFREDO PIZZA

serves two


1 thin pizza crust
½ cup alfredo sauce
1 cup roasted chicken breast cut into small cubes
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Remove pizza crust from packaging and spread Alfredo sauce over crust. Top evenly with chicken, tomato, bacon, basil, and cheeses. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until cheese has melted and is starting to brown. Remove from oven and serve. Use any leftover Alfredo sauce to dip your pizza slice in.


bacon recipe source: Stonefire™Authentic Flatbreads, c/o FGF Brands, 475 North Rivermede Road, Concord, ON L4K 3N1

Saturday, October 11, 2014

3442. CREAMY BREAKFAST POLENTA with ASIAGO, THYME, BACON and POACHED EGGS

makes four servings


5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
¼ cup onion, finely diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 cup warm water
2 cups whole milk, plus more as needed
1 cup coarse ground yellow cornmeal
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
3 oz shredded asiago cheese, plus more for serving
4 poached eggs
4 strips crisp cooked bacon, crumbled

In a medium sauce pan melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.

Add in the water and milk and bring to a simmer. While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the cornmeal. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken.

Heavily season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the thyme, asiago cheese, and the rest of the butter (2 tablespoons). Add more warm milk as needed if the mixture starts becoming too thick.

Serve warm topped with more asiago cheese, a poached egg, and crumbled bacon.


bacon recipe source: Baker Bettie (@BakerBettie), October 21, 2013

Friday, October 10, 2014

3441. CHICKEN, BACON, RANCH LASAGNA

serves nine


18 oz. (1 1/2 cans) evaporated milk
1-2 (1 oz) packages ranch dressing mix
1 lb. cooked chicken, cubed or pulled
5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, chopped
1/8 teaspoon pepper
5 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Boil the noodles and cook the chicken either by boiling or pan frying. Combine evaporated milk and Ranch dressing mix in a saucepan and stir until the mix is completely dissolved. Add chicken, pepper, bacon, and green onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Begin layering the lasagna, noodles first, then sauce, then cheese, and repeat.

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Cool and serve.


bacon recipe source: Chelsey (@diybudgetgirl), Budget Girl, June 21, 2013

Thursday, October 09, 2014

3440. SAUTEED MUSHROOM BUTTER and BACON TEA SANDWICHES

makes 2 dozen 
 
 
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 
1 tablespoon olive oil  
1 pound shiitake mushrooms, cleaned, tough ends of stems removed, diced 
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper  
1/4 cup Madeira or sherry 
24 thin slices whole-wheat bread  
1 1/2 pounds (about 24 slices) bacon, cooked 
1 bunch arugula, cleaned and trimmed 
 
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons butter and the oil. Add mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper; saute until mushrooms begin to soften and juices evaporate, about 8 minutes. Add Madeira, and remove from heat; deglaze pan, stirring with a wooden spoon until liquid has evaporated. Let cool, and place in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add remaining butter; pulse until mushrooms are finely chopped, about 1 minute.
 
Thinly spread two slices of bread with mushroom butter; cover one slice with a single layer each of bacon and arugula, and top with other bread slice. Use a serrated knife to trim crusts and cut in half diagonally into two triangles. Cover with damp paper towels until ready to serve. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Martha Stewart, Annual Recipes 2003
1/2 cup  unflavored whey protein powder (see Note 1 below for subs)
2 strips cooked bacon (grilled until crispy and then chopped)
4 tablespoons coconut flour
1/4 cup cocoa nibs (see Note 2 below for subs)
2 tablespoons xylitol (or granulated stevia)
1/2 cup milk (I used cartoned coconut milk but almond or rice would be nice too)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Directions:
1. Blend all ingredients together, except for the bacon which you should add after blending so as to retain it’s texture. Meanwhile, melt 1/2 bar (50g) of 85% dark chocolate in a bain marie (i.e. a glass bowl on top of a pot of boiling water). Once blended, shape the mixture into bars and then dip the bars into 1/2 bar of melted dark chocolate.
2. Once your bars are coated with chocolate, transfer them to the freezer for 30 minutes and… that’s it. Your bars are done.
- See more at: http://proteinpow.com/2013/06/bacon-and-chili-dark-chocolate-protein.html#sthash.tUAeMPi9.dpuf

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

3439. BACON, JALAPENO and SPINACH OMELETTE

makes one omelette


1 teaspoon ghee or olive oil
2 large eggs
½ jalapeno, seeded and minced
small pinch of fresh baby spinach
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
shredded cheese (optional)
sea salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

Heat the ghee (or olive oil) in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.

Scramble the eggs in a small bowl. Add the jalapeno and baby spinach and mix thoroughly.

When the pan is hot, add the egg mixture. Allow it to cook for several minutes undisturbed, just until the top is starting to set. Sprinkle the bacon crumbles on top of the egg on one side of the pan. (If using shredded cheese, now is the time to add it.)

Use a silicone spatula to gently lift and fold one half of the omelette over on itself in the pan, so that all of the filling is enclosed in the egg. Allow it to cook for about 2 more minutes like this.

Slide the omelette out of the pan and right onto a plate. Top with extra jalapeno and/or bacon crumbles, if you desire, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!


bacon recipe source: September 13, 2014

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

3438. BACON-WRAPPED CATFISH with CREAM CHEESE STUFFING

serves eight


8 (3-5-oz.) catfish fillets
seasoned salt
paprika
8 slices smoked bacon
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons diced, jarred jalapeños
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon ground thyme

Preheat oven to 375° F. Place bacon on sheet pan in single layer and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Combine breadcrumbs, cream cheese, jalapeños, lemon juice, celery salt, onion, parsley and thyme. Divide into 8 portions. Lightly dust fillets with seasoned salt. Place fillets flat side up. Place 1 portion of stuffing in middle of each fillet. Wrap thin side of fillet toward center, then thicker side toward center. Secure with a toothpick. Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each fillet, securing with toothpicks. Sprinkle tops with paprika. Spray cooking rack and baking sheet with cooking spray. Place catfish rolls on rack. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until fish is cooked through. Remove toothpicks. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.


bacon recipe source: U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish (@US_Catfish), 6311 Ridgewood Road, Suite W404, Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Monday, October 06, 2014

3437. SWEET POTATO, ONION and BACON COMPOTE

4 slices of premium smoked bacon, chopped
1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound white and wild mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons unsulfured dark molasses
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ginger
salt, to taste
3/4 pound sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 dozen pearl onion, blanched and peeled

In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until it is browned and crisp. Remove and drain the bacon, set aside. Melt butter in the drippings. Add the onion and the mushrooms, and sauté them over medium heat until they are softened, 2-3 minutes.

Add to the skillet the stock, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, thyme, pepper flakes, ginger, and a touch of salt, and mix well. Stir in the sweet potatoes, and simmer over medium heat 2-3 minutes. Add the pearl onions, cover the pan, and continue to cook another 7-10 minutes, until both the potatoes and onions are tender. The dish can be made ahead and covered to this point 1 hour in advance of your meal.

Uncover the pan, and cook another couple of minutes, stirring continually, until the sauce reduces to a glaze. Sprinkle in the reserved bacon, and stir to mix them in. Taste, add a little more salt if you like, and serve.


bacon recipe source: The Fresh Market, 628 Green Valley Road, Suite 500, Greensboro, NC 27408

Sunday, October 05, 2014

3436. MAHI MAHI with BACON-TOMATO BUTTER

serves four


2 cups water
1 tablespoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons sugar
4 (6-oz.) mahi mahi fillets, skin on
cooking spray
salt
2 slices center-cut bacon, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon hot smoked paprika
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons butter

Combine the water, salt, and sugar in a shallow dish, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Add the fish and let stand 20 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

Heat grill pan to medium heat. Season the fish evenly with a little bit of salt and light coat both the pan and the fish with cooking spray (it will stick like crazy otherwise). Place fish, skin side down, on the pan and grill for 2 minutes or until grill lines show up. Turn the fish over and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 12 minutes or until done.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook for 5 minutes or until bacon is almost crisp, stirring occasionally. Drain a bit of the grease from the pan. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Add paprika and cook for 20 seconds, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the butter until it is melted and remove from heat. Serve on top of mahi mahi fillets.


bacon recipe source: Laura, PheNOMenal Phoods

Saturday, October 04, 2014

3435. FRIED GREEN TOMATO and BACON GRILLED CHEESE

serves four


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Friday, October 03, 2014

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

yields 4-8 servings
 
 
1 (48 oz.) bottle vegetable oil
1 package bacon
1 ( 48 oz.) sleeve (Pillsbury Grands Homestyle) biscuits

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup unsalted butter, browned
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons milk
Hot fudge sauce for drizzling
 
In a medium sized pot, empty a full container of vegetable oil. Attach a candy thermometer to the size of the pot. Heat oil over medium heat until it reach 360-375° F. Turn your heat down slightly to prevent the oil from getting too hot. Use extreme caution, oil will be very hot.
 
While oil is heating, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Make sure it is a baking sheet with raised edges. Spread bacon out over baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until desired crispness. About halfway through, remove from oven and pour out excess oil. Caution, bacon and oil will be very hot! When bacon is done, put on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. When cooled, chop into small pieces. Set aside.
 
Remove biscuits from container and cut into fourths lengthwise. With your hands, roll each cutting into a long string, about the thickness of a pencil. Cut in half if necessary.
 
Once oil is heated, slowly drop biscuits into oil. Bake for about 20-30 second a side until golden brown. Remove with a pair of tongs and set on a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil. When finished deep frying, leave your candy thermometer in the oil until it is completely cooled.
 
For the glaze: Sift powered sugar. This step is necessary to create a smooth glaze. Melt butter in a saucepan. Once melted, continue to stir until butter turns a golden brown. Pour melted butter over powdered sugar. Add maple syrup and milk. Whisk until smooth. For a thicker glaze, add only 1 tablespoon of milk instead of two. Or add additional powered sugar. To make glaze thinner, add additional milk. Heat fudge sauce in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until thin. To assemble the fries, please bottom layer of donut fries on the plate and drizzle maple glaze and chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with bacon. Repeat for as many layers as you want to make.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Julianne, Beyond Frosting (@beyondfrosting), January 26, 2014

Thursday, October 02, 2014

3433. BACON-GRIT FRITTERS

makes about 32 fritters


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

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

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

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


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

Wednesday, October 01, 2014

3432. FRENCH-STYLE CHICKEN with PEAS and BACON

serves four 


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

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

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

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


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

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

3431. BACON-WRAPPED YAKI MOCHI

each block of mochi makes 2 skewers 


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

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

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

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

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


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

Monday, September 29, 2014

3430. MAPLE BACON SIMMERED HIJIKI SEAWEED

makes eight servings


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

Put dried hijiki in a bowl. Wash them and soak in water for about 15 minutes, then drain. Thinly slice bacon. Cut carrot into thin strips. Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in water until soft (reserve the soaking liquid), remove stems, and slice thinly.
 

Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and saute seaweed, bacon, carrots and mushrooms. Add dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake and maple syrup, and simmer until the liquid is almost gone.

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


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

Sunday, September 28, 2014

3429. PASTA with BACON and SARDINE CREAM SAUCE

yields four servings


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Saturday, September 27, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Friday, September 26, 2014

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

makes 4 to 6 servings


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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

serves six as a light appetizer 


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

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

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


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


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

3425. BELUGA LENTILS with BACON and BALSAMIC ROASTED SHALLOTS

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

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

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

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

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


bacon recipe source: 80 Breakfasts, July 17, 2011

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

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

makes six burgers


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

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

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

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

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


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

Monday, September 22, 2014

3423. BACON BEER BEEF and IRISH POTATOES

serves four


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

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

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


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

Sunday, September 21, 2014

3422. BACON, ARUGULA and NECTARINE SANDWICH

serves four


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

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


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

Saturday, September 20, 2014

3421. BACON-STOUT CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

serves twelve 


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pour the batter into the pan over the crust.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Friday, September 19, 2014

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

serves four


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

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

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

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

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


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

Thursday, September 18, 2014

3419. DEVILED EGGS with CANDIED BACON

yields 6 to 8 servings 


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

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

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

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

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

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

Put the filling in a re-sealable bag. Cut one end off and pipe the filling into the egg whites. Sprinkle with the paprika, extra bacon bits and dill before serving.  
 
 
bacon recipe source: Kelsey Nixon, "Small Plate Party," Kelsey's Essentials, Cooking Channel TV

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

3418. GRILLED PEACH SALAD with BALSAMIC BACON VINAIGRETTE

yields 2 servings


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

3417. BACON PANCAKES with MAPLE-PEANUT BUTTER SYRUP

makes five servings


Maple-Peanut Butter Syrup 
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened 
1/2 cup maple syrup 
 
Pancakes 
2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
3/4 cup milk  
1/4 cup maple syrup  
2 eggs  
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
 
In small bowl, beat peanut butter and butter with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup syrup until well mixed. Heat nonstick griddle to 350°F or heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. In medium bowl, stir all pancake ingredients except bacon with wire whisk or fork until blended. Stir in bacon. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until edges are dry. Turn; cook other sides until golden brown. Serve pancakes with syrup. 
 
 
bacon recipe courtesy of: Betty Crocker, General Mills, Inc., P.O. Box 9452, Minneapolis, MN 55440

Monday, September 15, 2014

3416. OYSTER STEW with SAFFRON, LEEKS and BACON

serves four


1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons minced shallots
8 saffron threads
2 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 leek, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
24 oysters, shucked (reserve their liquor)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dash of paprika
 
Combine the wine, shallots, and saffron in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer gently until the liquid is reduced by half. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in an 8-inch skillet until it is crispy, then pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Add the leeks to the bacon and gently cook until softened. Add the bacon mixture to the reduced wine. Add the cream, butter, and the liquor from the oysters and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Add the oysters and simmer until they just begin to curl, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with paprika. Serve hot.
 
 
bacon recipe source: Recipes from Home, by Barbara Shinn and David Page (Artisan, 2001); on FreshDirect.com

Sunday, September 14, 2014

3415. MUSHROOM SOUP with BACON

yields 6 to 8 servings


5 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch lengths
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
1 clove garlic, smashed and finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms, stems removed and sliced (recommended: shiitake, cremini, or oyster)
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry sherry
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Add the bacon and butter to a wide, large pot and bring it to a medium heat. Cook the bacon, stirring frequently until it gets crispy and has released a lot of fat. Reserve the bacon and set aside.

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

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

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

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

Saturday, September 13, 2014

3414. FRENCH LENTIL and VEGETABLE SOUP with BACON

makes six servings 


3 slices bacon, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped 
1 stalk celery, finely chopped 
2 medium carrots, diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes 
6 cups chicken broth, best quality such as Swanson 
1 cup French lentils (lentilles du Puy), or common brown or green lentils 
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 
2 bay leaves 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
a few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
 
Fry the bacon in a large pot over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, 4-5 minutes. Add the olive oil, onions and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and garlic, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute more. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, lentils, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover partially, reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, 45-50 minutes (less for common lentils). Fish out bay leaves and discard.
 
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until the broth is slightly thickened, or to desired consistency. (Do not purée too much or the soup will get too thick, and you'll lose the integrity of the lentils.) If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender and purée until smooth, then return the blended soup to the pot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve. (Note: The soup may thicken as it sits; thin with a bit of water if necessary.)


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

Friday, September 12, 2014

3413. CORN CHOWDER with BACON and THYME

serves four


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

Place a large pot on the stove.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


bacon recipe source: do it Delicious, with Jessica Seinfeld

Thursday, September 11, 2014

3412. BACON-STUFFED JUMBO CINNAMON ROLLS

yields 5 cinnamon rolls


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

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


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

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

3411. ESPRESSO and CARDAMOM GLAZED BACON

serves 4


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

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


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

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

3410. TWO-BITE BACON-HERB SCONES

makes about 32 scones


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

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

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


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

Monday, September 08, 2014

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

makes 8-16 servings


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

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


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