Two Words: BACON FESTIVAL

Not much else to say, really. We’ll be here on September 2nd!

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Go Fig-ure

Today’s recipe comes from a neighbor of the Mouse House Kitchen, who was kind enough to share this delicious recipe with our readers.  It’s a fantastic blend of that sweet and savory flavor combination, and it will thrill the guests at your next party.  Enjoy!

The P.S. Bacon-Fig-Cheese Roll-Up

(makes 16 pieces)

8 strips center cut bacon

8 firm, ripe figs, halved

4 oz. goat cheese

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. kosher salt

Heat broiler on high.  Cook bacon in skillet or microwave until just done, but not crispy or burnt.  Drain on a paper towel, then cut each slice in half across the width.  Scoop out the inside of each fig half (save the insides – they make for a great ice cream topping).  Stuff each fig half with some goat cheese.  Stir the brown sugar, cumin and salt in a bowl.  Rub the mixture onto 1 side of each bacon slice half. Wrap 1 of the half strips of bacon around 1 of the fig halves, leaving the sugar/spice side out, and secure with a toothpick. Broil the figs, cut side up, on a baking sheet about 3 inches from the heat, until bacon is browned – about 2 minutes.  Cool slightly and then discard toothpicks. Eat!

It’s Bacon!

Who doesn’t love bacon?  Well, vegetarians, I guess.  But for the rest of us, it doesn’t get much better than those salty, chewy strips of deliciousness.  And just when you thought bacon was fine as is, the Hannaford Supermarket magazine presents a recipe that elevates bacon to another level.  The brown sugar glazes the meat to an almost candy-like texture, and the spices give this simple food a lot more depth.  Sweet and spicy and bacon – it’s a winning combination. Enjoy!

Hot and Sweet Glazed Bacon

(serves 4-6)

1 lb. (12 to 18 slices) thick-sliced bacon

½ cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat broiler. Place 6 strips of bacon on a rack on top of a broiler pan.  In a small bowl,  mix the brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne and pepper. Lightly top each strip of bacon with about 1/2 to 1 tsp. of the seasoned sugar mixture, patting it down to make sure it adheres well.  Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until crisp and brown, but not burnt.  Keep a close eye on the bacon, as it can go from undercooked to overcooked and burnt in seconds.  Gently turn the bacon and sprinkle each slice with another 1/2 to 1 tsp. of the sugar mixture, pressing down lightly to make sure it adheres to the meat. Broil for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.  Remove from the broiler and repeat with the remaining bacon and sugar mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.  Eat!