Browsed by
Tag: Bacon

Bacon and Mushroom Crepes

Bacon and Mushroom Crepes

For The Filling:

6 slices bacon – cooked crisply and chopped coarsley (save 1 T. of the fat)

1/2 pound mushrooms – sliced thin

1 C. milk

1/3 C. heavy cream

1/4 C. all-purpose flour

3 T. unsalted butter

1 T. fresh chopped parsley leaves

Salt and pepper – to taste

 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. In a large heavy skillet, sauté (over medium high heat) the fresh mushrooms in 1 T. of bacon fat and 1 T. of butter for about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.  In a medium saucepan melt remaining 2 T. butter over medium high heat and whisk in flour. This is called “making a roux” – the basis for a sauce. Whisk this roux for about 3 minutes as it simmers. Add milk slowly and continue to whisk 5 more minutes or until roux is thickened and smooth. Add sautéed mushrooms, cream, parsley, bacon, salt and pepper and simmer 10 minutes, or until very thick. Remove filling from heat and allow to cool 5 minutes. To Prepare Crepes: Layout crepes and spread about 1/4 C. of filling over each one. Fold each crepe in quarters and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. Warm in oven for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon a little remaining sauce on the top of each and serve. Fresh mushrooms are a must for this recipe. Canned mushroom make it much too rich.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Poached in Wine Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Poached in Wine Sauce

Olive Oil

6 rosemary sprigs, divided

2 Salmon fillets, rectangular or square shaped

4 thick sliced lean bacon

1/2 small lemon

3/4 to 1 C. Sauvignon Blanc

Salt and pepper

 

Season salmon with salt and pepper. Wrap each fillet evenly with 2 slices bacon (similar to wrapping a square package with ribbon), overlapping edges and weave a rosemary sprig through bacon on one side. Pour oil into a skillet over medium high heat, add 4 rosemary sprigs and cook for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove rosemary, set aside.  Place bacon wrapped salmon into the skillet with the rosemary oil. Cook salmon, rosemary sides down, turning once, until bacon is lightly crisp and salmon is just cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer salmon to a heated platter.  Add wine to skillet to deglaze and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Using half of a small lemon, squeeze juice over salmon. Just before serving, drizzle wine sauce over the bacon wrapped salmon. Garnish serving plate with small wedges of lemon and the rosemary sprigs cooked in oil.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Bacon Cup BLT Salad (hold the bread!)

Bacon Cup BLT Salad (hold the bread!)

Three layers of bacon wrapped around the bottom of a foil wrapped, double high muffin tin, and baked at 400F until crisp. Place a cookie sheet under the pan to catch dripping fat, and turn your muffin tin often to get an even browning and crisping. Fill the cup with a simple lettuce and tomato salad and enjoy!

baconcup

 

 

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Bacon & Garlic Grits

Bacon & Garlic Grits

2 strips smoked bacon, small dice

3 clove garlic, minced

2 C. milk

2 C. heavy cream

1/4 C. whole butter

1 C. grits

Salt and pepper

 

Render bacon in saucepot until crispy. Add garlic to pot and sauté for 20 to 30 seconds.   Add milk, cream and butter, bring to boil. Add grits and stir. Turn heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. If grits become too thick, add milk to thin it out. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

apples-fiddleheads-0151 1/2 heads romaine, clean and dry and cut into bite-sized pieces

6 slices bacon, preferably Vermont Smoke & Cure, or other good-quality

Olive oil

1 pt. grape tomatoes, cut in half

3/4 lb. fiddlehead ferns, brown ends trimmed, soaked in 1/2 water, 1/2 white vinegar for 1/2 hour

6 or 8 whole cloves of garlic, with peel

1/2 c. Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen or Bonneview Mossend Blue (Blue Cheese)

 

Place the lettuce on large dinner plates and put aside.  Cook the bacon until crisp.  Use a fork to remove from pan, and place on paper towel to remove extra fat.  Keep pan over medium heat, add tomatoes, fiddleheads, and garlic cloves with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle of kosher salt, and cook until fiddleheads are crisp tender.  (You can do this on the stovetop, or – as I did – in the oven at about 400 degrees.)  Add  tomato-fiddlehead mixture to lettuce, being sure to scrape/spoon out any juices in pan.  If desired (as I did), peel garlic cloves and add to plate.  Crumble bacon over top, add crumbled blue cheese, and serve.

 

Fiddlehead and Wild Leek Salad with Bacon

Fiddlehead and Wild Leek Salad with Bacon

8 oz fiddleheads

8 oz wild leeks (ramps)

4 slices of bacon

1 oz sliced almonds

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 fl oz white wine vinegar

5 fl oz olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Clean and wash fiddleheads and leeks. Blanch both in boiling water for 1 minute. Refresh in cold water and allow to drain Grill the bacon until crispy, then cut into small strips. Combine the mustard, vinegar and oil, season with salt and pepper, and pour over leeks and fiddleheads. Chill for two hours then serve with chopped bacon and almonds sprinkled on top.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Cheddar-Bacon-Ranch Pull Apart Bread

Cheddar-Bacon-Ranch Pull Apart Bread

1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

cheddar bacon ranch pulls

Bacon Mushroom Frittata

Bacon Mushroom Frittata

Bacon Mushroom6 slices bacon

8 oz. fresh white mushrooms, sliced (about 2-1/2 C.)

1 C. sliced onion

1 C. sour cream

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. oregano, ground

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

4 large eggs

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, about five minutes. Cool; crumble; set aside. Pour off excess bacon drippings from pan, leaving only about a tsp. Add mushrooms and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until liquids evaporate; set aside to cool. Beat eggs until smooth; add sour cream, eggs, salt, oregano and black pepper. Pour egg mixture into a greased pie pan. Scatter cooled mushroom mixture over eggs; sprinkle with bacon. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees F; continue to bake until center is set, about 10 minutes longer.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Bacon Cornbread

Bacon Cornbread

1 Jiffy Corm Muffin Mix

1 (8-ounce) can mixed vegetables, drained

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 C. finely chopped onion

1/3 C. milk

1 slightly beaten egg

1/2 C. to 1 C. crumbled cooked bacon

 

Preheat oven to 400-degrees and lightly grease an 8x8x-inch baking dish. Combine the dry Jiffy mix, mixed vegetables, cheese, onions, milk, and egg in a bowl and mix well. Stir in the bacon. Transfer batter to prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting into squares.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Potato & Bacon Pie

Potato & Bacon Pie

1 pound chopped bacon

1 chopped onion

8 beaten large eggs

1 pound peeled and grated potatoes

2 3/4 C. Grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp. black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13″ glass baking dish. Cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp. Drain well. Combine eggs with potatoes and cheese. Mix in bacon. Pour, evenly, into baking dish. Bake about 45 minutes or until center is set. Serves 6 to 8.

Tangy Bacon Chicken Grill

Tangy Bacon Chicken Grill

3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

3/4 C. purchased balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

1 1/2 C. fresh baby carrots, cut in half lengthwise if desired (for softer carrot)

1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 8 pieces

1 medium red bell pepper cut into 8 pieces

8 oz. fresh whole green beans, trimmed

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

 

tangyHeat gas or charcoal grill. Cook bacon in 12 inch nonstick skillet until crisp; drain on paper towel. Discard all but 2 T. bacon drippings in skillet. Add salad dressing to drippings in skillet; mix well. Remove from heat. Remove and reserve 1/4 C. salad dressing mixture from skillet for later use. Add carrots, onion, bell peppers, and beans to remaining dressing mixture in skillet, stir to coat. With slotted spoon, place vegetables in grill basket. Reserve dressing mixture in skillet. When grill is heated, place chicken and grill basket on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 15 to 20 minutes shaking grill basket occasionally, turning chicken once and brushing reserved dressing mixture from skillet over chicken. Cook until chicken is fork-tender and juices run clear and vegetables are crisp-tender. To serve: arrange vegetables around chicken. Sprinkle with bacon; drizzle with reserved 1/4 C. salad dressing mixture.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Bacon and Green Onion Biscotti

Bacon and Green Onion Biscotti

2 1/2 c. flour

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

8 T chilled butter, cut into 8 pieces

2 T olive oil

2 large eggs

1/2 c. milk

1 1/4 lbs of bacon

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten with a T. of water

 

Begin by frying the bacon until crisp. I like to bake mine on an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet, with sides, in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes, flipping the bacon once. The foil makes the grease very easy to clean up and I don’t have to fuss over a frying pan. Once the bacon has cooled slightly, chop it into small pieces [doesn’t have to be perfect but maybe aim for 1/2″ square pieces]. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, pepper, baking powder, and salt on low speed. Add the butter chunks until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, eggs and milk. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dough and mix until just combined. Add in the green onions and bacon and mix until combined. You could also do this in a food processor but be sure to turn the dough out into a bowl before adding the green onion and bacon. Mix the bacon and green onion in by hand because the processor blade would get rid of the yummy chunks. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each section into a log measuring 7 inches long and at least an inch thick. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.  In the last 10 minutes before removing the biscotti from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the biscotti logs from the fridge and place the logs on a lightly oiled baking sheet. The logs will not grow that much during baking, so they can be placed pretty close together. Brush the top of each log with egg wash and bake for approximately 25 minutes until light brown and firm to the touch. Remove the logs from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Decrease the oven temperature to 300 degrees. After the logs have cooled, slice them crosswise [you can also slice on a diagonal for longer biscotti] with a serrated knife into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices on top of a wire rack resting in a baking sheet [this way the heat will circulate around the biscotti]. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the biscotti have dried and turned golden brown. Once cool, the biscotti will keep in an airtight container for about a week. Serve with your favorite soup, dunk in your fave dip or eat like delicious crackers!

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

Inside Out BLTs

Inside Out BLTs

Inside-Out-BLT1-1024x9008 strips premium bacon, slices crosswise into 1/8-inch strips

8 firm Roma tomatoes or green (unripe) tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 C. flour

3 eggs, beaten

2 C. bread crumbs or panko

3 or more T. olive oil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4-ounce log goat cheese, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter, sliced 1/8 inch thick

24 arugula leaves, lower stems discarded

 

Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Select the 24 most uniform tomato slices and save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch. Dredge slices in flour, then in eggs, then pad down in bread crumbs. Reserve on plates, but do not stack.  In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 3 T. oil. When oil is hot, add as many breaded tomato slices as the pan can accommodate without them touching. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Add more oil if necessary for subsequent batches.  To assemble, line up 12 fried tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper, then top each with 1 cheese slice, a mound of bacon shrapnel, and 2 arugula leaves. Cover with a second fried tomato slice. Secure with a toothpick. Let cool for a minute before serving. (Tomatoes have a surprising ability to hold the heat).

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Creamy Corn & Bacon Casserole

Creamy Corn & Bacon Casserole

1 lb. bacon, diced

2 C. bread crumbs

1/4 C. minced onion

1/2 C. chopped green pepper

2- 16oz cans cream-style corn

 

In a skillet, fry the bacon until lightly browned. Remove & set aside. Pour 1/8-1/4 C.  of the bacon drippings over bread crumbs; set aside. Discard all but 2 T. of remaining drippings. Preheat oven to 350~f.  Sauté onion & green pepper in drippings till tender. Stir in bacon, & corn. Spoon into a 1-qt baking dish; sprinkle with crumbs. Bake 20-25 minutes or till bubbly & heated through.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Corn and Bacon Muffins

Corn and Bacon Muffins

6 slices lean back bacon

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

1 1/2 C. self-rising flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 C. cheddar, grated

12 oz canned corn, drained

2/3 C. milk

2 eggs

5 T. olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Line a muffin pan with paper muffin cases. Trim any fat off the bacon slices and then cut into squares. Place in a small skillet, add the onion, and gently fry for 5-10 minutes until well cooked. Place the flour and baking powder in a bowl and mix. Stir in the cheese and corn. In another bowl whisk the milk, eggs, and oil together.  Add this mixture to the flour mixture, then add the onion and bacon. Stir to combine but do not overmix.  Spoon into the muffin cases and bake for 15 minutes until firm to touch. Cool on a wire rack.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Fried Not-So-Green Tomatoes

Fried Not-So-Green Tomatoes

Freshly cooked bacon and the rendered bacon fat

A large green tomato that shows tinges of pink

Salt, pepper and flour

Brown sugar

1/2 C. light cream or half and half

 

Slice a thin slice off the top and bottom of the tomato and remove the core. Slice into half inch slices. Salt and pepper each slice and dredge in flour. Fry in enough hot bacon fat to cover the skillet. Turn tomatoes over and sprinkle with brown sugar. Brown, flip again, and sprinkle with more sugar. Each side of the tomato will be cooked twice and the brown sugar should caramelize. Remove tomatoes from pan and leave about 1 T. bacon fat. (Sometimes you will have to add an extra T. of fat because the tomatoes will have soaked up the fat in the pan.) Add a tsp.  or two of flour and cook and stir a minute or so. Stir in half a C. of cream and bring to a boil. Season, pour gravy over tomatoes, and serve with the bacon. Note: Use fairly high heat and watch closely. The tomatoes will turn to mush if the browning process takes too long.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Crisp Bacon Muffins

Crisp Bacon Muffins

8 Bacon slices

1 1/3 C. Cake flour

1 1/2 T. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

21/2 tsp. Baking powder

1 Egg

3/4 C. Milk

1 T. Bacon fat

 

Sauté bacon until crisp, and chop fine. Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together. Add the bacon. Combine the egg, milk and bacon fat, and blend into the first mixture. Pour into buttered muffin tins, one-third full, and bake in a hot oven (425) for 15-20 minutes.

 

Bacon and Blue Cheese Pasta Bake

Bacon and Blue Cheese Pasta Bake

12oz. Back bacon rasher
1oz. Butter

1 Clove Garlic — crushed
4oz. Mushrooms — sliced
10z. Flour
1/2 Pint Milk
3oz. Blue Cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

8oz. Dried Fettuccine

5oz. Mozzarella cheese — chopped

Preheat oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas Mark 4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter, add the bacon and garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour. Remove from the heat, and gradually add the milk. Return the pan to the heat, and bring to the boil, stirring constantly until a smooth, glossy sauce has formed. Stir in the blue cheese and seasoning. Meanwhile, cook pasta following instructions on the pack. When cooked drain, and stir into the sauce. Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese and cook in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until browned and serve with a mixed green salad.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Edamame Succotash with Shrimp

Edamame Succotash with Shrimp

succ1 1/2 C. frozen blanched shelled edamame (green soybeans)

3 bacon slices

1/2 C. chopped celery

1/4 C. chopped red onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, split lengthwise and cut crosswise into thin strips

2 C. fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)

3 T. white wine

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Prepare edamame according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from pan, reserving 1 T. drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Reduce heat to medium; add celery, onion, garlic, and jalapeño to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in edamame, corn, and wine; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add shrimp; cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper; sprinkle with crumbled bacon and parsley. Serve immediately.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Cheese Triple Onion Bacon Bun

Cheese Triple Onion Bacon Bun

Dough:

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup liquid honey

1 large egg ( beaten )

3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour

4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Filling:

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup chives (chopped )

1/3 cup shallots (chopped )

1/3 cup onions ( chopped )

1 tablespoon garlic ( minced )

2/3 cup crispy chopped bacon

2 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese

 cheesebacon1

Heat water, milk and butter in sauce pan till butter is melted. Do not bring to a boil. Pour mixture into a mixing bowl and allow to cool to lukewarm. Add honey and 1 1/2 cups of flour, mix till smooth. Add in lightly beaten egg and yeast, mix till smooth. Allow to sit uncovered for 15 min.. Mix salt and 1 cup of flour. Pour out onto a floured surface and slowly add remaining flour just till the dough no longer sticks to counter. Knead for 8-10 minutes. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Spray top with an oil spray. Cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place for 1 hour or till double in bulk. For filling, melt butter in a medium fry pan. Add in garlic, saute for a minute. Add in chives, shallots and onions, till onions are tender. Add in cooked bacon bits and stir till combined. Set aside to cool. After dough has risen pour out onto a floured surface. Punch down into a small rectangle. Roll out dough into a 12X24 rectangle. Pour filling onto dough. Spread with a rubber spatula, leaving about 1/2 inch around edges. Sprinkle half cheese on top of filling. Fold over the 1/2 inch edge. Roll dough like a jelly roll. Pinch seam closed with your fingers. Cut the jelly roll into 16-18 pieces. Place each piece into a very lightly greased muffin tins. Cover with plastic wrap let rise till double in size, about 1 hour. Top risen buns with remaining cheese. Place buns into a preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes before removing from tins. Cool on a wire rack.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Sweet Pea Soup with Parmigiano Toast

Sweet Pea Soup with Parmigiano Toast

soup2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 large yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped

salt and fresh ground black pepper

a couple dashes of hot sauce

2 10oz boxes frozen peas

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1/2 C. heavy cream or half-and-half

8 slices baguette

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/4 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

zest and juice of 1 lemon

 

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat with the EVOO. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain on a paper towel. Add the onions, garlic, and thyme to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Add the frozen peas and continue to cook until the peas are defrosted and heated through, 2-3 minutes. Transfer the onions and peas to a blender or food processor with 1/2 C. of the chicken stock and puree until smooth. Add the pureed peas back to the soup pot and stir in the remaining chicken stock and the cream, bring up to a simmer, and cook for about 8-10 minutes. While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices until golden brown in the broiler or toaster oven. In a bowl, mix the Parmigiano with the reserved crispy bacon and the parsley. Once the toast is nice and golden, sprinkle the bacon-Parmigiano mixture over the bread and return to the broiler or toaster oven to melt and lightly brown the cheese. To finish the soup, add the lemon zest and juice, stir to combine, and transfer the soup to serving bowls. Float 2 Parmigiano toasts on top of each soup bowl and serve immediately.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Pea Salad with Bacon

Pea Salad with Bacon

pea-salad-bacon-fresh-dill¼ C. Sour Cream

¼ C. Mayonnaise

2 T. Parsley, chopped

Salt, Pepper, and dried Dill Weed to taste

20oz. bag Frozen Peas

8 slices Bacon

¼ C. Green Onions, chopped

Lettuce

Place peas in colander and rinse in hot tap water until defrosted; drain well and chill. Cook bacon until crisp.  While bacon is cooking, mix sour cream, mayonnaise and parsley.  Season with salt, pepper and dill weed; set aside.  Drain and chop bacon.  Add bacon and sour cream dressing to peas.  Toss until well coated and serve.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon Cheese Muffins

Bacon Cheese Muffins

1/2 lb. bacon

Vegetable oil

1 beaten egg

3/4 C. milk

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 C. Grape Nuts cereal, (any crunchy nugget cereal)

1 C. cheddar cheese, shredded

 

Cook bacon- drain but reserve dripping, if necessary add vegetable oil to measure  1/3 c total.  In a small bowl combine dripping/oil, egg and milk- set aside. Crumble bacon, set aside. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients, make a well in center. Add wet mixture all at once; stir just until moistened.  Batter will be lumpy, stir in cheese, bacon & cereal. Fill greased or lined muffin C. 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 15-20 min. Makes 12.

 

Turkey Bacon Breakfast Burrito

Turkey Bacon Breakfast Burrito

5 slices turkey bacon (nitrate-free)
nonstick cooking spray
6 egg whites, beaten
1 small tomato, cored, seeded, and chopped
4 6-inch low-carb tortillas
1/2 C. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
2 C. salsa for garnish

Place the bacon between two paper towels on a paper plate. Microwave on high 4 to 5 minutes, or just until the bacon is crisp. Break into pieces. Spray a skil­let with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium. Scramble the egg whites in the skillet until almost done. Add the tomato and bacon. Cook 30 sec­onds to 1 minute. Heat the tortillas for 10 seconds in the microwave, or you can warm them in a pan for a minute or two. Spoon the egg scramble equally into the center of the tortillas. Sprinkle low-fat cheese on top. Fold burrito-style. Serve immediately with salsa to taste.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 150

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

1/4 lb sliced lean bacon

1/3 C. thinly sliced scallion

1 C. yellow cornmeal

2/3 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. double-acting baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

3 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 C. milk

 

Cook bacon until it is crispy. Blot with paper towels& crumble it. Drain off all but 1 T. of the fat from the skillet, and use remaining bacon grease to cook the onion over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened. Into a bowl sift together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, butter, sour cream, and milk. Stir in bacon, onion, and cornmeal mixture, and beat the batter well. Divide the batter among 12 well-buttered 1/3-C. muffin tins and bake the muffins in the middle of a preheated 425 degree F. oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden. Turn the muffins out onto a rack and let them cool.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon & Corn Pancakes

Bacon & Corn Pancakes

3/4 C. Milk

2 T. melted butter

1 egg – beaten

1/2 C. corn kernels

1 C. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

6 slices bacon

Maple syrup for topping

 

Combine milk, melted butter, beaten egg in one bowl. Stir in corn and set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in separate bowl. Pour corn mixture into flour mixture and stir briefly to moisten. Heat griddle to medium. Place bacon slices on griddle and brown on each side until crispy. Drain fat and coarsely chop or crumble into corn batter. Ladle 1/4 C. of batter on the griddle and cook pancakes over medium-high heat until air bubbles form on the top. Flip pancakes over and cook until nicely browned. Serve with maple syrup.

Alsatian Bacon and Onion Tart

Alsatian Bacon and Onion Tart

 

For the pastry:

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

8 T. (1 stick) chilled butter, cut into pieces

1 tsp. salt

2 T. ice water

 

For the filling:

6 to 8 slices ventrèche or Black Forest bacon

1/2 C. farmer’s pot cheese (or low-fat ricotta, beaten)

1/2 C. half-and-half

1 T. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

2 T. vegetable oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

 

To make the pastry, sift the flour onto a work surface, place the butter in the center, and rub with your fingertips until tiny particles form. Make a well in the mixture, add the salt and water, and mix quickly with fingertips until dough is smooth. Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill about 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a heavy baking sheet; set aside.  To make the filling, fry the bacon in a large skillet over moderate heat until almost crisp; drain on paper towels and chop coarsely. Set aside. Roll out the dough to form a thin rectangle about 7 by 10 inches; place on the prepared baking sheet and form a slight border by pinching the edges upward. In a bowl, combine the cheese, half-and-half, flour, salt, and oil. Mix until well blended, and spoon the mixture evenly over the bottom fo the pastry shell. Distribute the onion slices over the top, sprinkle on the bacon, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Cut the tart into rectangles to serve.

Chestnut Soup with Bacon & Kale

Chestnut Soup with Bacon & Kale

Chestnut Soup with Bacon & Kale

1 small onion

2 medium garlic cloves

1 medium fresh carrot

9 oz potatoes (250 g)

9 oz cooked chestnuts (250 g)

3 C. chicken or vegetable stock (720 ml), warm

a handful fresh kale sliced

4 thin slices salted bacon

olive oil

pepper

salt

 

Peel, trim and clean the onion, carrot, and garlic cloves. Chop them up finely and add them together with a good splash of olive oil to a large pan. My super creamy chestnut soup: a sweet and velvety soup topped with crunchy salted bacon and crisp stir-fried kale… Lovely! Place the vegetables over medium heat and gently fry them for 5 minutes. Stir regularly. In the meantime, peel and chop the potatoes. Add them together with the chestnuts and warm stock to the pan. Season with a little pepper and salt. My super creamy chestnut soup: a sweet and velvety soup topped with crunchy salted bacon and crisp stir-fried kale. Bring it all to a rolling boil and then turn the heat low. Then simmer the soup for 25 minutes until all the ingredients are tender. In the meantime, grill the bacon until crispy. My super creamy chestnut soup: a sweet and velvety soup topped with crunchy salted bacon and crisp stir-fried kale. In a large non-stick pan add another drop of olive oil and quickly stir fry the sliced kale for 2 minutes. My super creamy chestnut soup: a sweet and velvety soup topped with crunchy salted bacon and crisp stir-fried kale. Take the pan off the heat and let the kale cool down again. Blend or mix the soup into a velvety mixture. My super creamy chestnut soup: a sweet and velvety soup topped with crunchy salted bacon and crisp stir-fried kale. Check the seasoning and add extra pepper or salt to taste if necessary. Scoop the soup into bowls. Garnish with the crumbled grilled bacon and the stir-fried kale.

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

1/4 C. sugar

1/4 C. lemon juice

2 tsp. olive oil

4 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. each salt, pepper, curry powder, ground cumin and ground coriander

1/2 to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

18 uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

9 bacon strips, halved lengthwise

 

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, lemon juice, oil and seasonings. Pour 1/4 C. marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the shrimp. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.  In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp. Drain on paper towels. Remove shrimp from marinade; discard marinade. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.  Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill bacon-wrapped shrimp, covered, over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning and basting with reserved marinade. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

spicy bacon wrapped shrimp

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon and Clam Chowder

Bacon and Clam Chowder

4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped

2 large red or yellow bell peppers, coarsely chopped

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 oz. Canadian bacon, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

3 C. chicken broth

12 oz. new potatoes cut into 1/2-inch chunks

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 C. dry white wine (optional) 1 1/2 C. water 12 littleneck clams, well scrubbed

 

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, and black pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.  Stir in the Canadian bacon, garlic, and thyme; increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until all the juices have evaporated.  Add the broth and potatoes; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the tomatoes and wine (if using), cover, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat. Bring the water to a boil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add the clams; reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the clams open. With tongs, transfer the clams to a bowl, discarding those that haven’t opened. Line a fine-mesh strainer with damp paper towels. To remove any sand, pour the clam broth through the strainer into a glass measure. Add the broth to the soup. Reheat if necessary. Remove the clams from their shells and chop coarsely. Add the clams to the soup; reheat briefly, then ladle into bowls.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball

2 (8-ounce) packages of low-fat cream cheese, softened

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

5 to 7 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

¼ C. Green Onions or 1/3 C. Chives, optional

 

Mix all of the ingredients except V2 cup cheddar cheese together with a mixer until they are incorporated. Mold into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap to store. When ready to serve, roll the cheese ball in the remaining k2 cup cheese to coat. Serve with assorted crackers. Makes 1 ball, enough to serve 8 as an appetizer.

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

Cheese and Bacon Swirls

1 pack all butter puff pastry

5 back bacon rashers, sliced into 1 centimeter strips

3/4 tub cream cheese

75 grams cheddar, grated

1 onion, diced

Handful of parsley, chopped

Salt & pepper to season

1 egg, beaten

 

Pre-heat oven to 180C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Roll out the puff pastry and spread cream cheese all over the surface. Sprinkle evenly all over with cheddar, onion, bacon rashers, parsley and season with salt and pepper. Then roll up one end until you’ve made a swiss roll. Using a sharp knife, slice up into 1inch segments and place on the baking tray. Brush over with egg wash. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes until golden.

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites

2 (15 count) pkgs frozen phyllo C. (30 total)

1 lb. regular-cut bacon cut in half cross-wise

¾ C. brown sugar

½ C. maple syrup

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the phyllo C. onto the baking sheet and set aside briefly. Fry the bacon in batches in a large skillet, cooking until the bacon is just about done but not crispy. The bacon should be on the chewier side, as it will continue to cook more as you bake it. Drain the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate and let cool briefly before chopping into tiny bits. Scoop a ½ tsp. of brown sugar into each phyllo C. and add a small squirt of maple syrup on top. Fill past the brim of the phyllo C. with bacon, mounding it into the C.. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar. Bake for approx. 12-15 minutes or until the phyllo C. and bacon are crisp and the maple caramel is bubbly and caramelized. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cheesy Steak Bake

Cheesy Steak Bake

Cheesy Steak Bake

1 lb. steak tips

1 C. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 C. fontina cheese, grated

6 slices bacon, optional

2 white onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 T. herbs de Provence

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375º F. If using, cook bacon to personal preference. (Don’t make it too crispy, as it will also be baked later.) In a large pan or skillet over high heat sear steak tips until browned on all sides. Transfer steak to a plate or bowl and drain off fat, leaving 1 T. in the skillet.

Reduce heat to medium-low heat and add sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onions are softened, translucent and golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Place steak tips in a large baking dish, add bacon strips (if using) and cover with caramelized onions and garlic.

Top with both cheeses and sprinkle with herbs de Provence. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and steak is cooked through. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage

1 large head of cabbage roughly chopped

8 slices thick cut bacon diced

1 yellow onion {I like Vidalia} diced

2 T. butter optional

salt and black pepper to taste

 

Add diced bacon to a large sauté pan and cook over medium heat until crispy. Do not drain. Add onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5 minutes. Add cabbage, half at a time if you need to, and mix with the bacon and onions. Cook until it is softened. If you want to add even more flavor add a couple T. of butter and stir until combined. Season with salt and black pepper.

Pork Chops Slathered in Mustard Butter with Bacon-Braised Napa

Pork Chops Slathered in Mustard Butter with Bacon-Braised Napa

4 T. EVOO

6 slices Bacon, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Spanish Onion, sliced

2 T. Thyme

1 small head Napa Cabbage, cored and sliced

Salt and Pepper

1/4 C. plus a splash Cider Vinegar

1/2 C. Golden Raisins

3/4 C. Chicken Stock

4 Center Cut Pork Chops, 1” thick

4 T. Butter, very soft

2 T. Grainy Mustard

2 T. chopped flat leaf Parsley

 

Heat large skillet over medium high heat with 2 T. EVOO. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, onion and thyme and cook for one minute. Add cabbage, salt and pepper, toss to combine and then add 1/4 C. of the cider vinegar, the raisins and the chicken stock. Turn down heat to medium and continue to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. While cabbage cooks, heat another large skillet over medium high heat with the remaining 2 T. EVOO. Liberally season pork with salt and pepper. Add chops and cook for 5 minutes per side. For the mustard butter, in a small bowl combine the soft butter, grainy mustard, chopped parsley and a splash of cider vinegar. Top each chop with a dollop of the mustard butter and serve alongside the cabbage.

 

Chicken Thighs with Bacon-Braised Beans

Chicken Thighs with Bacon-Braised Beans

4 skinless chicken thighs

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1/4 C. diced pancetta or thick-cut bacon (about 1 ounce)

1 medium onion, diced

3 C. quartered mushrooms

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 sprig thyme

1 sprig sage

1/4 tsp. whole black peppercorns

2 1/2 C. canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained (1 1/2 cans)

1/2 C. low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 C. diced plum tomato

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat the oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with chopped thyme. Place in a small baking dish just big enough to hold the thighs snugly and roast for 35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 160°F. Cook the bacon in a deep skillet over mediumlow heat. Drain fat and add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme sprig, sage sprig, and peppercorns. Raise the heat to medium and cook until the onion starts to brown, 5 minutes. Add the beansand broth. Cook for 8 minutes. Add the tomato and continue cooking 8 minutes longer. To serve, place the chicken thighs in the bottom of 4 shallow bowls. Spoon the bean mixture over the top and sprinkle with the parsley.

Shrimp Mull

Shrimp Mull

Shrimp Mull

 

2 slices bacon, fried

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

1 cup celery, diced

2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans small shrimp

1 tsp. chili powder

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 1/4 cups ketchup

 

After frying bacon, remove and drain. Slightly brown onion in bacon drippings. Add pepper and celery and cook until soft. Add undrained shrimp, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled bacon and ketchup. Cook until thickened. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Sweet and Crunchy Spinach Salad

Sweet and Crunchy Spinach Salad

Sweet and Crunchy Spinach Salad

2 bunches spinach, well rinsed & dried, torn

1/2 lb. bacon, cut in pieces, fried & crumbled

2 red apples, cut in pieces (Matchsticks for a more elegant presentation)

1/2 c. golden raisins

1/2 c. dry roasted peanuts, unsalted

1 sm jicama, cut in pieces (Matchsticks for a more elegant presentation)

 

Add ingredients to salad bowl.  Use favorite salad bottled dressing or to with a sweet vinaigrette.