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Creamy BLT Chicken

Creamy BLT Chicken

Creamy BLT Chicken

 

4 chicken breasts

6 slices of Certified thick cut bacon

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 C. milk

2 T. stone ground mustard

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 T. ranch seasoning

1 tsp.. black pepper

2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 C.. baby spinach

2 C. cherry tomatoes, halved

1 T. chives, minced

 

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon in the skillet while it is still cold. This will help render as much of the bacon fat as possible. While the bacon is cooking, season each chicken breast with salt, pepper and ranch seasoning. Remove the bacon from the skillet when it’s finished cooking and remove all but 2 T. of the bacon fat from the skillet. You can toss the rest or save it for another recipe! Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Grab a bowl while the chicken is cooking and add the cream cheese, mustard, lemon juice and milk. Whisk together and set aside. Remove the chicken when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pan. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up all the flavor on the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the spinach and tomato. Let boil until the spinach is wilted and reduces in size, about 2 minutes. Add the chopped bacon and mix. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and remove from the heat. Top with extra bacon crumbles and minced chives. To serve, present this dish in the skillet and serve family-style! Serve over rice, pasta or devour on its own. Enjoy!

Loaded Potato Chowder

Loaded Potato Chowder

Loaded Potato Chowder

 

1/2 pound bacon

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. thyme

2 T. dry sherry or white wine

3 C. chicken broth

2 C. half and half

3 chicken bouillon cubes

2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces

Salt and Pepper

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 C. sour cream

chopped chives

 

Cut the uncooked bacon in small pieces. Heat a heavy pan and fry the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove the bacon bits to a plate lined with a paper towel. Take a paper towel and soak up all but 2 T. of bacon grease and discard. Saute the onion, garlic, and thyme for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and tender. Stir in the dry sherry and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, half and half, and bouillon. Bring the broth to a boil. Add the potatoes and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and allow the soup to cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. To serve the soup, top each bowl with a couple spoonfuls of shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon pieces, and chives.

Sheet Pan Roasted Lemony Parmesan Cabbage and Bacon

Sheet Pan Roasted Lemony Parmesan Cabbage and Bacon

Sheet Pan Roasted Lemony Parmesan Cabbage and Bacon

 

4 C. (1 pound) green cabbage, chopped into 3 x ½ inch strips

½ pound applewood smoked bacon, sliced into ¼ inch pieces

1 medium white onion, thinly sliced

4 ounces grated parmesan cheese

2 T. lemon zest

1 tsp. kosher salt

¾ tsp. pepper

3 T. olive oil or neutral vegetable oil

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 T. fresh chives, finely chopped

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a rimmed sheet pan (13” x 18”) with nonstick cooking spray. Layer all ingredients evenly across the pan and place into the preheated oven. Roast the cabbage and bacon for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Once the tips of the cabbage are brown and the bacon is crisp, remove the pan from the oven and serve immediately.

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

 

2 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 C. grated pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving

1 T. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

6 ounces bacon, diced

1 medium onion, diced

12 ounces spaghetti

8 ounces (about 8 cups) baby spinach, chopped

1 C. torn fresh basil leaves

1 C. torn fresh parsley leaves and tender stems

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan, pecorino, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the edges crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the onion to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown and soft, 5 to 7 minutes. If the spaghetti won’t lie flat in the skillet, break it in half. Add it to the pan along with 41 2 3 4 5/4 C. of water and 1 tsp. of the salt. Cook, uncovered, stirring and tossing the pasta frequently, until it is cooked through but still al dente, 12 to 14 minutes. If the skillet dries out before the pasta is cooked through, add a little water. The pan should stay moist; having a bit of extra pasta water in the pan will make for a creamier, silkier carbonara sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the egg-cheese mixture, tossing well. Add the spinach, in batches as it begins to wilt, the basil, parsley, and remaining ¥2 tsp. salt and energetically toss until everything is well incorporated. Cover the pan for 2 minutes to allow the spinach to fully cook. Uncover and toss again.  Serve immediately, sprinkled with pecorino and pepper.

Smothered BLT Chicken

Smothered BLT Chicken

Smothered BLT Chicken

 

6 slices (6 oz) bacon, chopped

1 1/2 T. olive oil, divided

2 (12 oz each) or 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

10 oz. (2 cups) grape tomatoes (halved)

1 T. minced garlic (3 cloves)

1 C. low sodium chicken broth, plus 1 1/2 Tbsp

1 T. cornstarch

3 C. packed (3 oz) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 C. (1 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese

1/3 C. heavy cream

 

Add bacon to a 12-inch skillet, cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally until cooked and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. If using 2 (12 oz) chicken breasts then butterfly and cut into 2 portions through the thickness. Pound each piece with a meat mallet to even the thickness. If using 4 (6 oz) pieces then pound each to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Dab chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season each side evenly with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 T. olive oil in a clean 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Set pan over medium heat, add remaining 1/2 T. olive oil. Add tomatoes and garlic and saute 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 2 minutes. Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 1/2 T. chicken broth. Pour into skillet and stir. Let cook and thicken, while stirring, about 30 seconds. Stir in spinach, cooked bacon and parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts. Stir in heavy cream. Season sauce with salt as needed and pepper to taste. Return chicken pieces, and spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

 

1 pound bacon, cooked, drained and chopped

1 large white onion, julienned

1 C. local honey

1/2 C. sugar

1 C. apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper

 

2 C. goat cheese

6 cloves roasted garlic, pureed

1/2 tsp. white pepper

Turbinado or raw sugar

Herbs for garnish

 

Sweet Potato Chips

 

To prepare Bacon Jam, saute onions in oil until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add honey, sugar, and vinegar and bring to a strong simmer. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid becomes thick and syrupy (about 15 minutes). Reduce heat to low and add bacon. Season with salt and pepper and let cool at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with Bruleed Goat Cheese. Bacon jam will keep for up to 8 days in your refrigerator. To prepare Bruleed Goat Cheese, with a mixer or by hand, mix the goat cheese, roasted garlic, white pepper and salt. Press the mixture into an oven safe ramekin and bake at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes, until warmed. Sprinkle raw sugar over the top in a thin layer, and brown (brulee) with a torch or place under broiler for 30 seconds. Top with bacon onion jam and serve with sweet potato chips.

BLT Rice Bowl

BLT Rice Bowl

BLT Rice Bowl

 

2 C. rice

1/2 lbs bacon, sliced into 10 cm wide pieces

1 small head of lettuce, thinly sliced such as Romain Lettuce or Green Leaf

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

 

1 small ripe avocado

1 C. roughly chopped cilantro

1/4 C. fresh lime juice from 3-4 limes

1/4 C. olive oil

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp salt

 

Prepare rice as per package instructions. Set aside. Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel. Set aside. Dressing: Place avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a blender. Mix on high until smooth. Assembly:  Serve rice with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and the dressing on the side.

BLT Chicken-Avocado Salad

BLT Chicken-Avocado Salad

BLT Chicken-Avocado Salad

 

4 slices bacon

1 (5-oz) pkg baby spinach-spring mix blend

2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges

⅓ C. crumbled blue cheese

⅓ C. chopped pecans

1 avocado, sliced

2½ C. shredded rotisserie chicken

½ C. balsamic vinaigrette

 

Cook bacon in a skillet 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Drain and cool. Crumble bacon.

Arrange greens, tomatoes, cheese, nuts, avocado, bacon, and chicken on a large platter. Drizzle with dressing

Build-Your-Own BLT Board

Build-Your-Own BLT Board

Build-Your-Own BLT Board

 

Sliced Sandwich Bread (toasted)

Bacon

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Mayonnaise

Dijon Mustard

Sunny-Side-Up Eggs

Avocado (sliced)

Red Onions (sliced)

Sautéed Shrimp

Pickles

Basil

salt and pepper

 

Start by baking the bacon and toasting the bread.  You can toast the bread all at once by lining up the slices of bread on a baking sheet, and baking them at 400ºF for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. While the bread and bacon are in the oven, slice the tomatoes, onion, and avocado and prep the lettuce. After the bread is toasted and the bacon is done, start cooking the eggs and the shrimp. You can boil, grill, or pan-fry the shrimp to your liking with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Arrange the rest of the ingredients on a wood board. Try to keep the bread away from some of the juicier ingredients, like tomatoes and pickles, and make sure to dry the lettuce well so that it doesn’t get soggy before everyone starts building their own sandwiches. Serve and enjoy!

Belgian Beef Carbonnade

Belgian Beef Carbonnade

Belgian Beef Carbonnade

 

6 slices bacon

3 lbs. beef chuck roast, cut into very large chunks

6 C. sliced onions

1½ T. minced garlic

2 C. stout, porter or bock beer

2 T. brown sugar

1 T. dried thyme

2 bay leaves

3 T. cornstarch

3 T. cider vinegar

Hot buttered noodles

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

 

Fry bacon in large, heavy skillet. Drain on paper towels; coarsely chop it. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from pan; set aside. Dry beef with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. Heat skillet again over medium-high flame then deep-brown the beef chunks in batches, removing each batch to a heavy, oven-safe pot. Use additional fat as required for each batch. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Heat a little more fat in skillet over medium-low flame. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until limp and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in garlic during last 5 minutes. Add mixture to the beef in pot. Raise heat under skillet, stir in beer and bring to simmer, scraping bits from bottom. Stir in brown sugar, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to low simmer then stir into beef-onion mixture. Cover tightly, place in oven and bake until meat is very tender, 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. Remove from oven and let stand 20 minutes (or cool and refrigerate overnight). Skim fat from surface. Return to simmer on top of stove. Combine cornstarch and vinegar; stir into stew to thicken it. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over noodles, garnished with parsley and reserved bacon.

 

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

 

3-4 slices bacon, cut into bite-size pieces

1/4 cabbage, sliced thinly

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

1 fresh Yakisoba packet (comes with noodles and seasoning powder)

Kewpie mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed flakes), or pickled ginger, for garnish

 

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until almost crispy. Set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat. (For non-bacon option, start with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.)  Add cabbage to bacon fat and cook until soft. Set aside.   In same pan, heat oil and water. Add noodles and pan fry 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add bacon and cabbage. Sprinkle in seasoning powder and combine until even.   Divide among 3 plates. Garnish with a few lines of Kewpie mayonnaise, a handful of aonori, and a pinch of pickled ginger.

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

White Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon

 

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup dry white wine

12 ounces grated sharp white cheddar cheese

kosher salt

6 bacon slices, cut into 1 inch pieces and cooked until crisp

6 green onions, including 2 inches of green tops, coarsely chopped

 

Heat butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and sauté until softened, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the stock and half-and-half and bring mixture to a simmer. Add the cayenne pepper and wine. Add the cheese, a little at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition. Taste soup and season with salt, as needed. Soup can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat over medium heat. To serve, ladle soup into 6 bowls and garnish each serving with bacon pieces and green onions.

Bacon Cabbage Dippers

Bacon Cabbage Dippers

Bacon Cabbage Dippers

 

1 medium head green cabbage

1 lb. bacon

1/4 c. grated Parmesan

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

1 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. dried oregano

 

Preheat oven to 450°. Quarter the cabbage and remove thick stem, then cut each quarter piece in half.  On two large baking sheets, toss cabbage lightly with Parmesan and oil then season with salt, pepper, and oregano.  Wrap a piece bacon around each cabbage wedge. Bake until cabbage is golden and crispy around edges and bacon is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ranch for dipping.

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Bacon

 

10 strips Bacon, diced

2 large Shallots, peeled & small dice (about 1 1/2 cup)

3 medium Carrot, peeled & small dice (about 3/4 cup)

3 medium Celery, small dice (about 3/4 cup)

4 small cloves Garlic, peeled & minced

¼ tsp crushed Red Pepper Flakes – more or less, to taste

¾ tsp Kosher Salt, plus more to taste

heaping 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper, plus more to taste

½ cup White Wine

4 Cups Chicken Stock

2 (14.5 oz) cans Cannellini Beans or Great Northern Beans, undrained

2 sprigs fresh Rosemary

1 Bay leaf

1 Parmesan Cheese Rind

¼ – ½ Cup Heavy Cream

1 T. fresh Parsley leaves, chopped, or more for serving

½ Cup Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for serving

 

Cook bacon: Place a large stock pot over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until bacon is crisp and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in pan. Set aside. Remove bacon – leave fat: You want about 1 T. of bacon drippings in the pot, if you do not have enough fat, add extra virgin olive oil to pan until you have about 1 T. of liquid (just eyeball this). Sauté vegetables: Increase heat to medium high. Add shallots, carrot, and celery to pot. Cook, stirring frequently until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper; cook until aromatic, 30 seconds – 1 minute. Deglaze the pan: Add white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until wine is reduced to 2 T., about 3-4 minutes. Add liquid, beans + herbs: Add the chicken stock, beans with their liquid, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf and parmesan rind (if using). Boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Add bacon, cream, parsley + parmesan: Use tongs to remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. (I leave in the parmesan rind, but you can remove and discard it.) Add in the bacon, 1/4 cup of cream, chopped parsley leaves and grated parmesan. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Taste the soup, add more cream for a richer taste and texture.

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

 

Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or polenta.

 

3 slices bacon

8 (3-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 onions

1 ounces cremini mushrooms

1 cup chicken broth

Fresh parsley

 

Chop bacon and cook in Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to paper towel—lined plate. Trim chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Heat bacon fat left in pot over medium heat until just smoking. Brown half of chicken lightly on 1 side, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to plate. Repeat with remaining chicken. Halve and thinly slice onions, trim and quarter mushrooms, and add to fat left in pot with 1/4 tsp. salt. Cover and cook over medium heat until softened and wet, about 5 minutes. Remove lid and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions and mushrooms are dry and well browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to simmer. Nestle chicken and any accumulated juices into pot, cover, and simmer gently until chicken is very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter; cover to keep warm. Return sauce to simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and pour over chicken. Mince 2 T. parsley, sprinkle parsley and bacon over top, and serve.

Amazing Bacon, Onion & Fried Egg Toast

Amazing Bacon, Onion & Fried Egg Toast

Amazing Bacon, Onion & Fried Egg Toast

 

2 strips bacon, cut in half

1/4 yellow onion, sliced thinnish

1 large egg

1 slice bread

1/4 cup leftover Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, warmed up

Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

 

Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet until three-quarters of the way done. Push the bacon to one side, add the onion to the pan, and cook it in the bacon grease—two slices won’t make too much grease, so don’t freak out.        When the onion has softened, slide the bacon and onion over to one side, and crack the egg into the remaining grease and cook… you know how. Toast the bread. When the egg is done, put the toast on a plate and top with the bacon, onion, and egg. Immediately add the red pepper sauce to the pan to heat it up, then drizzle over the egg. Maybe a few grinds of pepper.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnut

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnut

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnut

 

3 T. olive oil

½ pound bacon, cut into lardons

4 shallots, thinly sliced

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

¼ pound chestnuts, roasted and peeled

Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. balsamic vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 425°. Heat oil over medium heat in a roasting pan or oven-proof skillet. Add the bacon and cook until golden brown and crisp. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but two T. of fat from the pan. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until soft. Add the Brussels sprouts and chestnuts and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven until the sprouts are cooked through and golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the oven and stir in the butter and balsamic vinegar. Transfer to a platter and top with the crispy bacon.

Simmered Fish with Tomatoes & Bacon

Simmered Fish with Tomatoes & Bacon

Simmered Fish with Tomatoes & Bacon

 

4 slices bacon

1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional

One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes

1 1/2 pounds firm white fish, such as halibut, cod, or pollock

Olive oil for drizzling

Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for serving

 

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Increase the heat to medium high. To the drippings in skillet, add the onion and season with V2 tsp. salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and the tomatoes, breaking up with your hands or a spatula to bite-size pieces; season with V2 tsp. salt and more black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Season the fish all over with salt and pepper and nestle in the sauce. Drizzle with oil and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the fish is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes depending on thickness. Uncover, top with chives, and crumble bacon overtop.

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

Mom’s Sweet Corn Chowder

 

8 slices bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 a large onion)

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups half-and-half

3 cups corn kernels

Salt and pepper

Fresh chives for sprinkling on top

 

In a large soup pot or heavy-bottom Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until bacon is cooked through and crispy. Scoop the bacon out and set it on a plate lined with paper towels. If there is a ton of bacon grease, pour off all but about 1 tablespoon. Add the butter and allow it to melt then add onion and potatoes. Cook, stirring often to keep the potatoes from sticking, until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15– 20 minutes. Combine flour and half-and-half in a glass measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Add the half-and-half mixture and the corn to the pot and continue cooking until the soup is slightly thickened and the corn.

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole

 

10 slices bacon, chopped

4 cups frozen diced potatoes with peppers and onions, thawed

1 (10-oz) pkg spinach

1 (4-oz) pkg gluten-free seasoned croutons

10 large eggs

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup sour cream

1 tsp. garlic salt

1½ cups shredded colby-Jack cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook bacon in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Add potatoes to hot drippings; cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are browned and tender. Gradually stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle with croutons. Whisk together eggs, cream, sour cream, and garlic salt in a large bowl; pour over croutons. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set.

Parmesan-Bacon Pasta

Parmesan-Bacon Pasta

Parmesan-Bacon Pasta

 

½ (16-oz) pkg linguine

6 slices bacon, chopped

½ lb asparagus, trimmed

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

¾ cup chicken broth

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 T. drippings in skillet. Add asparagus; cook 4 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender. Remove asparagus from skillet, and keep warm. Add tomatoes and broth, scraping skillet to loosen any browned bits; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until broth is reduced by half. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Toss sauce mixture with pasta and bacon; divide mixture between 2 plates. Serve with asparagus.

Bacon and Cheese Wonton Pierogies

Bacon and Cheese Wonton Pierogies

Bacon and Cheese Wonton Pierogies

10 slices bacon, chopped

1 (24-oz) container refrigerated garlic mashed potatoes

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

4 green onions, chopped

2 (12-oz) pkg wonton wrappers

½ cup water

½ cup butter, divided

1 (12-oz) jar refrigerated Ranch dressing

 

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; drain on paper towels. Stir together mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, egg, and onions in a large bowl.  Spoon about 1 T. potato mixture in center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with water, and fold one pointed edge over filling to make a triangle, pressing edges to seal. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pierogies, in batches; cook until dumplings begin to float. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Melt 1 T. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 10 to 12 pierogies and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until browned. Repeat with remaining butter and pierogies. Serve with Ranch dressing for dipping.

Chicken Club Crescents

Chicken Club Crescents

Chicken Club Crescents

 

1 (4-count) can refrigerated crescent rolls

½ (2.1-oz) pkg fully-cooked bacon

½ (22-oz) pkg fully-cooked chicken breast strips

½ (8-oz) block colby-Jack cheese, sliced

2 T. butter, melted

½ T. honey mustard

½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Divide desired amount of bacon, chicken, and 1 slice cheese over wide part of each crescent triangle. Roll up crescents according to package directions. Place in a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish. Stir together melted butter, honey mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; brush over tops of rolls. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with additional honey mustard for dipping, if desired.

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole

 

1 (16-oz) pkg bacon, chopped

1½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces

1 (8-oz) pkg sliced mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10-oz) pkg baby spinach

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

12 large eggs

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain, reserving 4 T. drippings in skillet. Cook potatoes in hot drippings in skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet, and place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Add mushrooms and garlic to skillet; cook 5 to 6 minutes or until mushrooms are browned and tender. Gradually add spinach, stirring until wilted. Spoon mushroom mixture over potatoes in baking dish; sprinkle with green onions, bacon, and cheese.

Whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until blended. Slowly pour egg mixture over cheese in baking dish. Let stand 15 minutes. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

 

12 oz whole wheat rotini pasta

3 ears corn

9 slices center cut bacon, chopped

1 sweet onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

¾ cup heavy cream

¾ tsp. salt

1 (1-oz) pkg fresh basil, torn

 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Cut kernels from cobs; discard cobs. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Drain, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Cook corn and onion in hot drippings 6 minutes or until browned and tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in broth, cream, and salt; cook 3 minutes or until thickened. Add pasta and basil, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with bacon.

Creamy Bacon Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus

Creamy Bacon Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus

Creamy Bacon Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus

 

6 slices center cut bacon, chopped

1 onion, chopped

6 (6-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

¾ cup heavy cream

 

2 lb small red potatoes

4 T. olive oil, divided

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. pepper

½ tsp. salt

1 lb asparagus, trimmed

 

Cook bacon and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat 6 minutes or until bacon is crisp and onion is tender. Remove bacon mixture from skillet, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Add chicken to skillet, and cook 5 minutes per side or until browned. Add broth and cream; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened and chicken is done. Sprinkle chicken with bacon mixture. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cook potatoes in boiling water 10 minutes or until just tender; drain and place on a greased baking sheet. Using a potato masher, mash each potato until flattened, but still in one piece. Drizzle with 3 T. oil; sprinkle with garlic powder, 1 tsp. pepper, and ½ tsp. salt. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges of potatoes are browned and crispy. Toss asparagus with 1 T. oil on another rimmed baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until browned and tender; season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Brie-Brioche Toast

Brie-Brioche Toast

Brie-Brioche Toast

 

1 (12-oz) pkg soft brioche baguette

½ cup salted butter, melted

1 (12-oz) pkg thick-sliced bacon, chopped

1 (8-oz) pkg sliced mushrooms, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. chopped fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)

1 (8-oz) round brie cheese, thinly sliced

½ (4.3-oz) container pomegranate arils

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut baguettes into ¼-inch-thick slices. Place on a large baking sheet; brush with melted butter. Bake 10 minutes or until browned and crisp. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, drain, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Cook mushrooms and garlic in hot drippings in skillet over medium heat unril browned and tender. Stir in thyme and crumbled bacon. Adjust oven temperature to broil. Place brie slices on toasted brioche. Broil until cheese is melted. Spoon mushroom mixture over cheese. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately.

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

Avocado Toast Benedict with Lemon Hollandaise

 

Hollandaise:

3 Egg Yolks + 1 Whole Egg (if you are worried about raw eggs use pasteurized eggs)

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, Fresh

Zest of 1 Lemon

½ Teaspoon Real Salt

½ Cup Butter, Melted and Hot

 

Avocado Toast:

4 Eggs

1 Teaspoon White Balsamic Vinegar

4 Slices Black Forest or Applewood Smoked Bacon

4 Slices Good, Rustic Bread

2 Large Avocados, Sliced

Salt and Pepper, to Taste

 

Toppings (optional):

¼ Cup Red Onion, Sliced Thin

¼ Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved

Maldon Salt

 

Place the egg yolks and one whole egg in a small blender (such as the Magic Bullet. An immersion blender and a jar can also be used.) Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and hot butter, and immediately blend on high for 2 minutes. Hollandaise should be thick and pale yellow in color. Set aside.  Fill a medium saucepan ⅓ of the way full with water and bring to a simmer (do not boil). Add 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar to the water. Crack one egg into a small cup, then carefully place the cup down low to the water. Place the cup as close to the water as possible when adding the egg. (I submerge half of the cup into the water when placing the egg.) Finish adding the rest of the eggs and cook for 3-4 minutes or until egg whites are firm. Remove with a slotted spoon. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Toast bread in the oven until desired doneness is achieved. Remove from oven and top with avocado slices (approximately ½ avocado for each slice of bread). Top with bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, and optional toppings.

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

Bacon & Chive Egg Clouds

 

4 eggs

¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup bacon, crumbled

¼ cup green onions or chives, sliced

Salt & black pepper, to taste

 

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Place the whites in a large mixing bowl and place each yolk in a separate small ramekin. (This makes it easier to add the yolks to your egg whites later.) Next use an electric mixer to beat your egg whites until stiff peaks form. (About 2 minutes.) Then gently fold in your parmesan cheese, bacon bits and green onion. Spoon 4 mounds of your egg white mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and make a small well in the center of each with the back of a spoon. Then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and place a yolk in the center of each well. Then return the pan back to the oven and cook for 3-5 more minutes or until the yolks are cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste then serve with extra sliced green onions sprinkled on top.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

Hearty Lentil Soup with Lardons

 

10 ounces thick-cut bacon (about 8 slices), cut into 1/2-inch-thick lardons

2 medium onions, chopped (about 3 cups)

3 medium carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)

4 stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 T. roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 cups French green lentils, rinsed

10 cups low-sodium chicken broth

 

Cook the bacon in a large (7- to 8-quart) Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté until beginning to soften, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the lentils, add the broth, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes. Add the crisp lardons and stir to incorporate.  Taste the soup and add a bit more salt or pepper, if you like. Serve hot.

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

 

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 small head green cabbage, cored and cut into about 1-inch pieces

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. celery seed

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 T. apple cider vinegar

 

Place bacon in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in the Dutch oven. Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, 2 T. water, salt, celery seed, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cabbage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender, 8 to 12 minutes.  Remove the cabbage from the heat and stir in the vinegar and bacon. Serve hot.

Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Bacon Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

 

5 strips bacon, uncooked, chopped

1 lb. scallops

salt and pepper

2 T. olive oil

3 T. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

2 T. wine or use lemon juice

2 T. butter, softened but not melted

2 T. parsley, fresh, chopped

 

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until cooked. Dry scallops with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat the large skillet until very hot, add 2 T. of olive oil and immediately add scallops. Sear on high heat, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet. Add 3 T. lemon juice (and maybe 2 more T. white wine). Scrape the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat, add softened butter (but not melted) – to create a creamy sauce. Add chopped bacon. Add back seared scallops. Top with chopped parsley

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 309

Fat: 24g

Fiber:

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

 

4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 C. sweet onion, diced

1 pound raw, peeled shrimp

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 C. dry white wine

2 T. garlic, minced

1/2 C. sundried tomatoes, drained

2 C. fresh baby spinach leaves

A small handful of julienned basil leaves

1 lb. penne pasta, cooked and drained

cayenne pepper, to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

 

In a large sauté pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve 2 T. of bacon grease in the pan. Add the onion to the pan and sauté over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Season the shrimp with cayenne, salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and add the olive oil to the sautéed onion mixture. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp and sauté until they are partially cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and then add the garlic, sundried tomatoes, spinach leaves and basil and cook 1 minute more, stirring often. Add the pasta and toss to coat.

BLT Pasta

BLT Pasta

BLT Pasta

 

Kosher salt

4 ounces slab bacon, cut into ½-inch dice

1 T. olive oil

¾ pound mezze rigatoni

1 pound cherry or baby Sun Gold tomatoes, halved (about 3 C.)

Freshly ground black pepper

5 ounces watercress, roughly chopped

Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 T. of salt and return to a rolling boil. While the water comes to a boil, prepare the sauce: Place the bacon and olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp, stirring occasionally to make sure it does not burn, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside. Pour off all but 2 T. fat from the pan. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook over medium heat, coating them in the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper. As the moisture from the tomatoes releases and deglazes the pan, scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Sauté the tomatoes until they are tender and almost melt, about 5 minutes more. Add half of the bacon to the skillet and toss together to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat. Add the watercress and ½ cup pasta water and toss until the watercress wilts, adding ¼ cup more of pasta water (up to 1 cup) as needed to loosen up the sauce. Plate in bowls, season with salt and pepper, and top with the remaining bacon. Pass the grated Pecorino Romano at the table

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

Instant Pot Bacon Cheddar Egg Bits

 

5 eggs

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/4 cup milk

6 slices of bacon crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Pour 1.5 cups water into the Instant Pot. Add eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk to a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and combined. Divide bacon crumbles evenly between egg molds. Pour egg mixture over bacon. Place silicon egg mold onto the trivet and carefully lower into the Instant Pot. Place foil loosely over the top. Set the Instant Pot to Steam for 8 minutes, Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then quick release any remaining pressure.  The egg bites may puff up a bit and look like they are going to pop out of the mold, this is normal, they will settle back down into the mold,

Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Pasta

 

2.5 cups (650ml) vegetable stock

2/3 cup (160ml) heavy whipping cream

8 oz (225g) spaghetti cut in half

1 tsp. garlic purée

4 T. butter cut into small cubes

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 lb (450g) bacon cooked and diced

sea salt flakes to taste

2/3 cup (80g) Parmesan cheese grated

2 cups spinach optional

 

Pour stock into the Instant Pot insert, then add the rest of the ingredients including the best ever sea salt flakes. (but don’t add the spinach or Parmesan yet!). Close the lid and turn the vent to sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 mins. Cook till done, then allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) of 6 mins before performing a quick release to let out remaining steam. Open the lid, stir in the Parmesan and baby spinach and let it wilt before serving.

Bucatini all’Amatriciana (bucatini with bacon and tomato)

Bucatini all’Amatriciana (bucatini with bacon and tomato)

Bucatini all’Amatriciana (bucatini with bacon and tomato)

 

2 T. kosher salt

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

12 oz. thinly sliced guanciale, pancetta or high-quality bacon, coarsely chopped

1 large red onion, cut lengthwise in half and then into ¼-inch-thick half-moons

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1 ½ tsp. crushed red pepper

1 ½ cups tomato sauce

1 lb. uncooked bucatini pasta

Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated

 

Bring 6 quarts water to a boil in a large pot over high; add salt. While water comes to a boil, heat olive oil in 12-inch straight-sided skillet over medium-low. Add guanciale, onion, garlic and red pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and meat has rendered much of its fat, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain all but ¼ cup of fat from skillet. Add tomato sauce to skillet; increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring often, until slightly thickened, 6 to 7 minutes. While sauce simmers, add bucatini to boiling water, and cook until very firm, 1 minute less than package directions; drain.. Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat. Top with grated cheese.

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

 

8 Perfect 7-Minute Eggs

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. maple syrup

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large head romaine lettuce, or 2 small heads Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and torn into big pieces Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

If your eggs have been in the fridge, peel them and put them in a large bowl of lukewarm water to let them come to room temperature while you cook the bacon. (Change out the water if it gets too cold). Dry the eggs with a clean kitchen towel and slice them in half. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s crispy and a good amount of fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and maple syrup. Keep whisking while you stream in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with 2 T. of the maple vinaigrette. Divide the romaine among four shallow bowls. Divide the bacon among the bowls and put four egg halves on each salad. Season each egg half with a little kosher salt. Grind a generous amount of pepper over each salad and serve with extra vinaigrette on the side. Alternatively, pack the undressed salads into four separate containers, and take to work with a bit of dressing on the side.

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

Garlic Fried Eggs with Kale Pesto, Toast Points, and Lemon Bacon Vinaigrette

 

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups kale, roughly chopped and packed

¼ cup pine nuts

¼ cup olive oil

¼ tsp. kosher salt

4 strips bacon, fried and cut in half

 

1 lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ to 2 oz.)

3 T. bacon fat, reserved from frying bacon

⅛ tsp. kosher salt

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper

 

2 T. unsalted butter

2 slices of thick cut white bread, sliced into 6 “sticks” (see photos)

1 T. olive oil

 

3 T. butter

1 tsp. garlic, minced

4 eggs

 

Combine garlic, kale and pine nuts, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until roughly combined. With food processor running, stream in olive oil. Whisk together lemon juice, bacon fat, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined. In the pan used to fry bacon, melt butter over medium heat. Add bread and toast on all sides until golden brown and crispy.  In a small frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Fry garlic until it starts to turn golden brown, for about 4-5 minutes. Crack two of the eggs into the pan and use a small spoon to baste the eggs with the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook until whites are firm, about 2-3 minutes. Remove eggs from pan and cook the remaining two eggs in the same method. Serve eggs with bacon and kale pesto and a drizzle of vinaigrette on top. Enjoy!

Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (rigatoni with bacon and tomato)

Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (rigatoni with bacon and tomato)

Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (rigatoni with bacon and tomato)

 

1 pound rigatoni

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 pound thick-cut bacon, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick

1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 1/4 cups strained tomatoes

1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese, plus more for serving

1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Salt

Pepper

 

In a large saucepan, cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the bacon and onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the bacon is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the strained tomatoes and bring the sauce just to a simmer. Add the pasta and reserved cooking water to the sauce and cook over moderate heat, tossing, until the pasta is coated. Remove from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup each of cheese and parsley. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper and transfer to bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve, passing more cheese at the table.