LOVE BACON? 5 SIMPLE RECIPES FOR ANY OCCASION

LOVE BACON? 5 SIMPLE RECIPES FOR ANY OCCASION

A N Y T I M E I S A G O O D T I M E F O R BACON Bacon is by far my number one fave ingredient / meat that I dig most in the pork family. Not only is it the best flava of the whole pig, it can take so many dishes to a whole nother level. So here s 5 Bacon recipes perfect for any occasion to make this tail-tooting ingredient the star of your meal! Much Love

BACON-GOAT CHEESE-DATE SPREAD WITH BAGUETTE SLICES SERVES 6-8 INGREDIENTS 4 ounces Goat Cheese, at room temperature 4 ounces Cream Cheese, at room temperature ¼ cup finely diced Dates 2 cups diced cooked Chicken Breast 8 slices well cooked Apple-smoked Bacon, crumbled 2 tablespoons chopped Scallions, white and green parts ½ French Baguette, cut into 2-inch-thick slices DIRECTIONS In a mixing bowl, stir together (or use a hand mixer) the goat cheese, cream cheese, and dates until the dates are thoroughly incorporated and the spread is as smooth as possible. Add the chicken, bacon, and scallions and fold gently just until mixed. Spread on the baguette rounds and serve. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

BACON-WRAPPED SAUSAGES WITH CASHEWS MAKES 32 SAUSAGES; SERVES 4 TO 6 INGREDIENTS 12 slices Bacon (par-cooked) 8 smoked, Hot Beef Sausages cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup packed Dark Brown Sugar 1 cup coarsely chopped Honey-Roasted Cashews 1 cup finely chopped Scallions, white and green parts 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or just until the bacon softens and is still limp and pliable. Drain on paper towels. In a mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, cashews, scallions, cayenne and cinnamon. Lay each slice of bacon on a work surface and sprinkle an equal amount of the sugar mixture along the length of the bacon. Press gently to make sure the mixture adheres to the bacon. Lay a sausage quarter near the end of each bacon slice and roll the sausage in the bacon. As it s rolled, transfer each roll to a shallow baking pan, seam-side down. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Serve hot.

BLT-STUFFED BELGIAN ENDIVE SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ½ cup Cream Cheese, softened 2 cups Mayonnaise 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing powder 2 tablespoons chopped Fresh Chives ½ cup finely diced, seeded Tomatoes ¼ cup crumbled cooked, crispy Bacon (6 to 8 slices) 3 large heads Belgian endive 2 tablespoons chopped Scallions, white and green parts, for garnish DIRECTIONS In a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer blend together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and chives. When well mixed, fold in the tomatoes and bacon. Separate the endive leaves from the heads. Dollop the mayonnaise mixture on the wide end of each endive leaf and serve, garnished with scallions.

BACON & BEAN MINI PASTRIES MAKES ABOUT 30 PASTRIES INGREDIENTS 2 sheets frozen Puff Pastry, thawed One 16-ounce can Refried Beans 1 cup crumbled cooked, crispy Bacon (about 1 pound bacon) 1 pound crumbled or shredded Cheddar Cheese ¾ cup pickled Jalapeño Pepper Rings (at least 24 pieces) ½ cup Sour Cream ¼ cup chopped Scallions, white and green parts ½ cup Chipotle Salsa, or mild or spicy store bought salsa for garnish, optional ½ cup Zesty Guacamole for garnish, optional DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Cut the puff pastry sheets into 24 squares and press the squares into 24 mini muffin tins. With a fork, pierce the sheets several times and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Set the muffin tin aside. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F In medium bowl, mix the beans with the bacon and spoon equal amounts into each baked pastry shell. Top with equal amounts of cheese and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts. Top each with a slice or two of jalapeño, a dollop of sour cream, and a few scallions. Serve garnished with salsa and guacamole, if desired.

GNOCCHI, BACON AND SWEET PEA SALAD SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS Kosher Salt 1 -pound package Potato Gnocchi 12 slices Bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons minced Garlic 2 tablespoons freshly chopped Thyme Leaves 2 tablespoons Butter 1½ cups Frozen Peas, thawed Freshly cracked Black Pepper 1 Lemon, juiced DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. In a large skillet over medium heat add bacon and cook until slightly crisp. Discard the excess fat. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds. Drain the gnocchi and add it to the pan. Stir in the butter, and then add the peas, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of salt and mix to combine. Add the lemon juice and allow flavors to blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer the gnocchi to a serving bowl and serve.

For more tips and recipes from AMJ go to www.aaronmccargo.com

Want more recipes? Simply done, well done is available for purchase at www.aaronmccargo.com/book The book includes 120 recipes covering soups, salads, appetizers. side dishes, main courses. sandwiches, sauces, and desserts. it also features enticing full-color photographs throughout. When it s time to cook for the family, Simply Done. Well Done will make sure that delicious is definitely on the menu. Follow Aaron on Facebook & Twitter https://www.facebook.com/chefmccargojr https://twitter.com/chefmccargo

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