I've been scouring my private recipe collections of notes, binders, ookbooks, and you know, the national treasures that are the church cookbooks. In light of National Bacon Day, here's my best selections in one collection of all American goodness in ways (I hope!) you've never experienced the bacon!
Sweets & Desserts
Bacon-Infused Caramel Sauce: Whisk finely minced crispy bacon into warm homemade caramel for an instant sweet-and-smoky ice cream topping.
Candied Bacon Bark: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over parchment, lay down strips of maple-candied bacon, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and chill until snappy.
Bacon Fat Pie Crust: Swap half the chilled butter in a standard pie crust recipe with cold rendered bacon fat for a subtle savory base in apple or pecan pies.
Apple Bacon Crisp: Fold crispy diced bacon into the oat-and-brown-sugar crumble topping for an autumn fruit crisp.
Maple Bacon Whipped Cream: Infuse heavy cream with cooled bacon fat, chill overnight, strain, and whip with pure maple syrup for a topping on waffles or pumpkin pie.
Kitchen Staples & Condiments
Rendered Bacon Fat Dressing: Warm saved bacon drippings with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced shallots for a warm wilted-spinach or roasted-potato dressing.
Smoky Bacon Compound Butter: Cream soft salted butter with finely crumbled bacon, fresh thyme, and cracked black pepper, then roll into a log for topping grilled steaks.
Bacon Jam Spread: Slow-cook diced bacon with sweet onions, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and fresh coffee until dark and jammy; ideal for burgers and grilled cheese.
Bacon-Infused Olive Oil: Warm extra virgin olive oil over low heat with a few bacon strips to infuse smoky undertones for drizzling over grilled vegetables.
Savory Bacon Salt: Pulse crispy bacon with coarse sea salt in a food processor until fine, then store in the fridge to season popcorn, eggs, or roasted roots.
Cocktails & Drinks
Fat-Washed Bourbon: Swirl warm bacon fat into bourbon, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, freeze to solidify the fat layer, and strain out for a velvety Old Fashioned base.
Bloody Mary Stirrers: Bake thick-cut bacon strips threaded onto wooden skewers until stiff to serve as an edible cocktail stirrer.
Bacon-Rimmed Glasses: Dip the rim of a cocktail glass in maple syrup, then press into finely crushed crispy bacon mixed with coarse salt.
Savory Sides & Snacks
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates: Fill Medjool dates with goat cheese or sharp cheddar, wrap in half a bacon strip, and bake at 400°F until crispy.
Smoky Popcorn Drizzle: Use hot bacon drippings in place of half the melted butter over freshly popped corn, tossed with smoked paprika.
Bacon Fat Roasted Nuts: Toss raw pecans, almonds, or walnuts in liquid bacon fat and sea salt before roasting at 325°F until toasted.
Crispy Croutons: Cube sourdough bread and toss directly in warm bacon drippings before baking until golden and crunchy for salads or soups.
Mains & Enhancements
Bacon & Cheddar Scones: Fold chopped cooked bacon and sharp cheddar into cold scone dough for a rich savory breakfast pastry.
Smoky Cornbread Batter: Stir bacon drippings directly into the cornbread batter and bake in a preheated cast iron skillet for a dark, crispy bottom crust.
Bacon-Wrapped Fruit Skewers: Wrap fresh pineapple chunks or peach slices in bacon and grill until caramelized.
Savory Oatmeal Topping: Swap sweet porridge toppings for a fried egg, diced crispy bacon, fresh chives, and a dash of hot sauce.
What do you think?
XOXO,
Louisa
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