Do You Smell BACON???
Admit it — bacon is one of your favorite flavors, right? If it is, you can be counted among legions of other loyal troopers in the Bacon Mania Army that has taken over the entire North American continent. How are passionate bacon soldiers recruited? Tempting bacon dishes have been around for centuries, with worldwide contributors. But the latest recruitment program is spread via the Internet, where the latest novelty bacon dishes are exploited. (Did you know you can deep fry bacon?)
Most of us have grown up with pigs in a blanket, BLT’s and club sandwiches, and the old standby, bacon and eggs. Quirkier tastes may have been inspired by Elvis and his Fools Gold Loaf – a hollowed out warm loaf of bread filled with a jar of creamy peanut butter, a jar of grape jelly and a pound of cooked bacon.
But back in the 50’s, it’s doubtful anybody seriously thought of bacon as a candy or dessert ingredient. One to try is Pig Candy – thick strips of smoked bacon covered with pecans then coated in caramel. It’s pretty easy to find chocolate-dipped bacon and bacon mints these days, and bacon ice cream is moving up in the ranks. A rather fancy dessert is brioche bread pudding with bacon sauce. And of course, there are always bacon donuts, cupcakes and cookies. (See more recipes on the Internet.)
For those without a sweet tooth but a zest for life are fans of bacon infused vodka and bacon martinis, often enjoyed with snacks sprinkled with bacon-flavored salt. For me, I’ll hold off on the vodka and martinis, but will definitely reach for a brew from Club’s of America’s Great Beer Club® to go with this month’s selection of Sal’s Choice pizza!
All of a sudden bacon-wrapped hot dogs, scallops and shrimp seem pretty mundane!
WHAT EXACTLY IS BACON (besides undeniably irresistible)?
Technically, it’s the flesh from the back and sides of a pig, usually cured, dried or smoked. In reality, it’s a salty meat that makes ordinary ingredients become extraordinary. It’s the added crunch for salads and muffins, and the echo needed for anything sweet. Bacon is the reason so many little pigs went to market!!
Take a Close Look at this Month’s
Chicago Deep Pan Crust Pizza Selectionsfrom your Favorite Pizza of the Month Club
(Please refer to individual pizza labels for how to bake the perfect pizza)
#1: SAL’S CHOICE GOURMET PIZZA
Sal’s combination of Hickory smoked bacon, fresh mushrooms and mozzarella cheese is vying for the top slot on my Favorites List. With marinara sauce (tomatoes, onions, carrots, spices, oils and wine), it’s a winner!
#2: CHICKEN TACO GOURMET PIZZA
Everybody say “Olé!”, then help yourself! The chicken strips are tender, meaty and perfectly spiced, fresh sliced red pepper strips and mozzarella are the perfect accompaniments. This dinner deal is sealed with taco sauce made with refried beans, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, garlic and spices.
#3: RED N’ ROASTED GOURMET PIZZA
Pizza #3 is packed with roasted red onion, spinach, roasted garlic and rich farm-fresh fresh mozarella. The Gourmet Pizza Club® has added it’s signature pizza sauce of tomatoes, spices, onions, garlic, oils, Romano and Chablis.
