Everything is Better With Bacon!

I love bacon. Did you know that there are numerous benefits to eating bacon? I told a friend of mine to skip the croutons and eat the bacon on her salad. She couldn't believe her ears. White flour is far more damaging than bacon, believe me.

Recently, I have been concentrating on helping my friends find flavorful alternatives to unhealthy foods and shed some pounds for the spring. Today is by far my favorite post because I am talking about the benefits of BACON!!

I want you to to read this book: FAT An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, and Recipes By Jennifer McLagan. Bacon is only a small part of this genius read but a great lesson on all natural fats. Not only will you learn about how fat works with our bodies, you will also learn how to enhance your menu and make better food by using fat. I am all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle by creating flavor with fresh herbs and natural fats. Sorry Vegans and Vegetarians, this post is for the Carnivores but the book is for all to enjoy. 

Please keep in mind that I am referring to bacon from your local butcher that has been sustainably raised and is not loaded with antibiotics, hormones, preservatives and other chemicals. You can get nitrate free bacon as well. Refer to your local CSA guide for farmers or inquire with your butcher.  You will taste the difference.

Bacon Fun Facts:

• 30 - 40 calories per cooked slice
• It is a lean meat with less fat than other types of pork or red meat
• A little goes a long way: Adds flavor with minimal amounts needed
• Tastes great in chocolate or on a donut from Dynamo Donuts in San Francisco
• Can be used in pastas or fish dishes to create depth
• Is a great source of iron

Properly prepare your bacon by cooking it on a medium to medium low heat on the stove top or in the oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Be aware that some bacon contains nitrates that when cooked on a high heat changes the chemical compound of the nitrates becoming nitrosamine which is a carcinogen that is linked to cancer.

Fun Eats
I found a couple of fun bacon yums that you might like. The first one is an absolute treat, the second is a great alternative to a loaded baked potato.

"Pig Out" with some Bacon Bourbon Carmel Corn from Salted Caramel, a Mid-West company near Chicago. Talk about a delicacy! Hand made by Ginna Haravan who mastered this bacon and bourbon infused delight. You can buy it for yourself or send it as a treat. Follow the link above for more information.

Loaded Baked Potato Alternative: Potato, Bacon Chive Salad from Bon Appetit

• 2 pounds small (about 2-inch-diameter) white-skinned potatoes
• 4 bacon slices, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup canned beef broth
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  
  How to Prepare:
  Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain. Cool 15 minutes. Peel while still warm, then cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Transfer to medium bowl.
  Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet over medium-high heat until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add onion; reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add broth and vinegar; bring to boil.
  Pour hot dressing over potatoes; toss gently. Fold in 1/2 cup chives. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand until broth mixture is absorbed, occasionally tossing gently, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle salad with 1/4 cup chives. Toss gently and serve.

Sources:
Potato, Bacon, Chive Salad recipe and photos from www.epicurious.com. February 2001. Web.
Bacon Bourbon Carmel Corn picture from Bacon Today. http://bacontoday.com/category/bacon-desserts/. February 18, 2010. Web.