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Happy International Bacon Day

Sizzling Celebrations: International Bacon Day

Every year, on the first Saturday in September, bacon lovers around the world unite to celebrate one of the most beloved and versatile foods on the planet – bacon! International Bacon Day is a mouthwatering holiday that pays homage to the crispy, savory delight that has found its way into breakfast plates, sandwiches, and even desserts. In this article, we’ll explore the history of bacon, its global popularity, and some creative ways to enjoy it on this delectable day.

A Brief History of Bacon

Bacon has a long and flavorful history that dates back centuries. The word “bacon” is derived from the Old High German word “bacho,” which means “buttock.” Early forms of bacon were often made from pork belly and were preserved through salting, smoking, or drying. It was a practical way to ensure that meat could be stored for extended periods without spoiling.

The modern bacon we know and love today is typically made from pork belly, although other cuts like back bacon and turkey bacon have gained popularity in recent years. In the United States, bacon is often smoked and cured with various flavors, giving it that signature smoky, salty taste.

Bacon Around the World

Bacon’s appeal isn’t confined to one corner of the globe; it’s enjoyed worldwide, albeit with regional variations. Here are a few examples:

  1. American Bacon: Crispy, smoked, and often served for breakfast alongside eggs and toast. It’s a staple ingredient in the iconic BLT sandwich.
  2. Canadian Bacon: Known as “back bacon,” it’s leaner and less fatty than American bacon, often served in circular slices.
  3. British Bacon: Brits enjoy bacon in various forms, including “rashers” (thin strips) and “streaky bacon” (similar to American bacon).
  4. Pancetta: An Italian variety, pancetta is an unsmoked, cured pork belly often used in pasta dishes and as a pizza topping.
  5. Australian Bacon: Australian bacon is typically a leaner cut, and it’s commonly enjoyed in breakfast dishes.

Creative Bacon Delights

On International Bacon Day, it’s the perfect excuse to get creative with your bacon-based dishes. Here are some mouthwatering ideas to try:

  1. Bacon-Wrapped Anything: From bacon-wrapped scallops to bacon-wrapped asparagus, this combination of flavors never disappoints.
  2. Bacon Jam: Simmer bacon with brown sugar, onions, and spices for a sweet and savory spread that’s perfect on burgers or as a condiment.
  3. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with cream cheese and wrap them in bacon for a sweet and salty appetizer.
  4. Bacon-Infused Cocktails: Bacon can even find its way into your glass in the form of bacon-infused bourbon or vodka for a unique twist on classic cocktails.
  5. Bacon Desserts: Don’t shy away from incorporating bacon into your desserts. Bacon-chocolate chip cookies or maple bacon cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings.

International Bacon Day is a joyous occasion that transcends borders and brings people together through their love for this crispy, savory delight. Whether you’re savoring classic bacon and eggs for breakfast or indulging in creative bacon concoctions, this holiday is a time to appreciate the versatility and deliciousness of bacon. So, on the first Saturday in September, raise your fork (or cocktail glass) and join the worldwide celebration of bacon!

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 strips of bacon
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of cream cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
  4. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but ensure you can still seal the chicken.
  5. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two strips of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks to prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is partially cooked and begins to crisp up.
  7. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  8. Bake the bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
  9. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve your delicious bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Enjoy this savory and cheesy bacon-wrapped chicken dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving for more!

Maple Bacon Bourbon Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon

For the Maple Bacon Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 6 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled (for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Stir in the bourbon until the batter is smooth.
  7. Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Maple Bacon Buttercream Frosting:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, alternating between the two until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.

Assembly:

  1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the maple bacon buttercream.
  2. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of each cupcake as a delicious garnish.
  3. Serve and enjoy these gourmet Maple Bacon Bourbon Cupcakes! The combination of sweet maple frosting and savory bacon is sure to delight your taste buds.

These cupcakes are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory, making them the perfect gourmet dessert to surprise and impress your guests. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are a memorable indulgence.

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