Frugal Foodie Mama: Bacon Month

Friday, August 29, 2014

15 Bacon For Dessert Recipes

If you love the flavor combination of sweet & salty, then you are going to just love this recipe round-up of 15 Bacon for Dessert Recipes...

If you love the flavor combination of sweet & salty, then you are going to just love this recipe round-up of 15 Bacon for Dessert Recipes.


Bacon for Dessert week and Bacon Month are both coming to a close, but don't be sad, friends.  
In fact, it just might be impossible to be sad when you have these 30 sweet & salty bacon-licious dessert recipes to browse through! ;)

If I haven't convinced you that bacon is not just for breakfast and savory dishes by now with the Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza and Bacon & Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies I posted earlier this week, then one of these desserts below is bound to. 

From ice creams to cookies to pies to brownies and more, every single one of these desserts has at least one thing in common...
Bacon, glorious bacon.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Bacon & Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Super soft & thick pudding cookies are jam-packed with crispy bacon, crunchy pretzels, and chocolate chips in these Bacon & Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies...

Super soft & thick pudding cookies are jam-packed with crispy bacon, crunchy pretzels, and chocolate chips in these Bacon & Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies.



Ready for more bacon for dessert action?
If the Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza recipe I posted yesterday didn't convince you of the merits of having a little bacon for dessert, then these Bacon & Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies certainly will!  ;)

The secret to these cookies being so soft and thick? Cake mix and pudding mix, folks. 
Some call it cheating.  I call it genius.
And then when you throw in some gooey chocolate chips, salty bacon, and crunchy pretzel pieces? 
Irresistible!

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk.... or maybe a good beer. ;)

Monday, August 25, 2014

Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza

A soft, graham cracker pizza crust is topped with gooey marshmallow cream, chocolate chips, crunchy graham pieces, and smoky candied bacon in this Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza...

A soft, graham cracker pizza crust is topped with gooey marshmallow cream, chocolate chips, crunchy graham pieces, and smoky candied bacon in this Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza.



Today marks the fourth and final week of Bacon Month 2014, folks.
But don't you all fret because I have happened to save the best for last...
For the entire week.

Some of you all may already know what I am talking about. How perfectly salty & smoky bacon pairs with sweets.
And some of you may be balking at the idea at the moment.  But I only ask that you do try not to knock it until you have tried it. ;)

And a good place to start your adventure with bacon for dessert would be with this Candied Bacon S'mores Pizza...

Friday, August 22, 2014

Bacon Guaca-Hummus

How can you make your three favorite chip dips even better? Combine them together and then throw some bacon in there, like in this Bacon Guaca-Hummus...
How can you make your three favorite chip dips even better? Combine them together and then throw some bacon in there, like in this Bacon Guaca-Hummus.

Okay, folks. Football season is just about here.  Soon everyone will be hosting or attending game day parties and tailgates.  
Finger foods and dips will be a-plenty.
But the dip that YOU bring will stand out and above the rest when you bring this simple & flavorful Bacon Guaca-Hummus!
Did I mention that it requires just 5 easy ingredients and can be ready to go in under 30 minutes? ;)

Seriously, all. There was no way that I could go wrong with this one.
How could I when combining the tasty flavors of guacamole with spicy salsa, creamy hummus, and crispy, smoky bacon? 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Bacon Cheeseburger Tatchos

These Bacon Cheeseburger Tatchos are a fun and delicious combination of two of your favorites- a classic bacon cheeseburger and nachos- minus the bun and the tortilla chips...



Bacon Cheeseburger Tatchos via thefrugalfoodiemama.com






These Bacon Cheeseburger Tatchos are about to totally shake up your weeknight dinner plans, folks. ;)
What exactly are tatchos, you may be asking?





Some people call them totchos. Some people call them tatchos.
But they both start with the same thing- crispy, golden tater tots!
Think nachos, but tater tots are taking over the role of tortilla chips. 





For this tasty take on tatchos, I steered away from the traditional Mexican nacho toppings and went 100% American classic with all the flavors of one of everyone's favorite burgers- the bacon cheeseburger.





Golden brown tater tots are smothered with perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty shredded cheese, mustard, ketchup, chopped tomatoes and pickles, shredded lettuce, and crispy bacon.





Of course, you could add whichever toppings you like and omit the ones you do not like.  
These Bacon Cheeseburger Tatchos are sure to be a hit with everyone in your family and weeknight friendly too since you can have these on the table in about 30 minutes...






Friday, August 15, 2014

Bacon & Corn Risotto

Sweet summer corn and crispy bacon take classic creamy risotto to another level in this Bacon & Corn Risotto...

Bacon and Corn Risotto via thefrugalfoodiemama.com



When I think of comfort food, I automatically think of creamy risotto. Forget chicken noodle soup or mac 'n cheese (although I do love those too).
But if I am craving a warm bowl or plate of comfort, risotto is by far my go-to. 

I love risotto for it's versatility as well.  The arborio rice is like a blank canvas for whatever seasonal flavors or veggies happen to be plentiful and at their peak at that time. The flavor possibilities are endless! :)

Many people I know are intimidated by the whole cooking process of making risotto, but don't be! Once you have the technique down (and when I say technique, I mean scooping ladles of heated broth a little at a time into a large skillet- easy, right?), you will want to make risotto all the time.

This Bacon & Corn Risotto is a perfect dish for end of summer with it's combination of sweet, fresh corn (which is everywhere & cheap right now!) and smoky and salty bacon...

Monday, August 11, 2014

Caprese Tuna BLT

This Caprese Tuna BLT with its fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and crispy bacon is a fresh Italian twist on a sandwich classic...

This Caprese Tuna BLT with its fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and crispy bacon is a fresh Italian twist on a sandwich classic.



It is Week #2 of Bacon Month! Are you all ready for even more bacon deliciousness this week?? ;)

Today I am bringing you all a fresh Italian twist on a bacon classic- the BLT.  We still have the tomato and bacon, but we are adding some fresh basil, a little tuna, and some fresh mozzarella to the mix. Seriously, all. This Caprese Tuna BLT was just made for a summertime lunch on the patio. 

The flavors and textures of the Caprese tuna salad combined with the creamy mozzarella and salty and crisp bacon? Sandwich perfection.

Serve alongside your favorite chips or pasta salad and you are good to go for a simply amazing summer lunch for two...

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad

Juicy & sweet cantaloupe, peppery arugula, and salty bacon are tossed together and then drizzled with a homemade bacon balsamic dressing in this Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad...
Bacon, Cantaloupe, and Arugula Salad with Bacon Balsamic Dressing via thefrugalfoodiemama.com
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Let me set the record straight now- I am not trying to pass off bacon as "healthy" because I am putting it in a salad here for my second recipe post of Bacon Month. 
But you can feel a bit better about indulging in a little bacon goodness when it is accompanied by some leafy greens and a little fruit. ;)
It is all about balance and moderation, folks. Balance and moderation. 

And speaking of balance, that is exactly what this salad has flavor-wise.
Sweet & juicy cantaloupe paired with peppery arugula and then topped with salty bacon and a flavorful bacon balsamic dressing?
Perfection.

This Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad is so, so simple, yet impressive and elegant to boot...

Monday, August 4, 2014

How to Bake Perfectly Crisp Bacon

Have you always wanted to try baking your bacon? Today I am sharing my method & tips for How to Bake Perfectly Crisp Bacon in your oven...



Have you always wanted to try baking your bacon? Today I am sharing my method & tips for How to Bake Perfectly Crisp Bacon in your oven.


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Since it is Bacon Month and all, I only thought that it would be appropriate that I start out the month with my preferred method of cooking bacon.  In fact, every single bacon-licious recipe that you will see posted to the blog this month all started out this way...
With me baking bacon in my oven.






To some, this may be blasphemy.
To others, this may be piquing your curiosity.
And to still others, you all may already know what I am talking about here. ;)






I have my reasons for only baking my bacon-
For starters, it frees up my stove top for things like scrambled eggs and pancake flipping.
It also seems to prevent my house from smelling like bacon all day long.






And finally, no burns from the splattering of bacon grease as it fries just inches away from your hands as you precariously flip each slice of bacon.






And I should also mention super easy clean-up! No scrubbing of a greasy pan or wiping down of a grease splattered stove top, folks. :)






But there are a few points of precaution and hard learned wisdom I need to go over with you all first and foremost before you endeavor to bake your first batch of bacon...










Friday, August 1, 2014

It's Official... It is Bacon Month!


Yes, folks! It is that day we have all been waiting ever so patiently for...
It is August 1st, and that means it is officially the first day of Bacon Month 2014! :)
And what does that mean for you?

Well for one, there will be a new bacon-centric cookbook giveaway each Monday of this month. (Be looking for the first one starting this Monday, August 4th!)
Second, it means lots of bacon laden recipes coming not only to Frugal Foodie Mama, but also from all of the lovely food bloggers you see pictured below.  
Think bacon is just for breakfast??
Think again, my friends. ;)

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Caramel Bacon Cashew Ice Cream

Buttery caramel ice cream is infused with smoky bacon & studded with crunchy cashews in this creamy Caramel Bacon Cashew Ice Cream...

Buttery caramel ice cream is infused with smoky bacon & studded with crunchy cashews in this creamy Caramel Bacon Cashew Ice Cream.



I am going to take a brief pause in Crock Pot Week today to focus on another foodie cause that is near and dear to my heart.  Yes, folks.  I am talking about Bacon Month. ;)  

During the first week of Bacon Month, I shared with you all my recipe for Bacon & Egg Angel Hair Pasta.  Seriously, folks.  If you haven't already checked that one out, you may want to after you done drooling over this new bacon laced recipe of mine. ;) My pasta dish is breakfast for dinner elevated to an entirely different level.  

I really wanted to challenge myself with at least one dessert recipe during this month-long celebration of all things bacon.  The savory dishes would be crazy easy.  But sweets were more of a stretch.  Even for me.  

I once tried dark chocolate covered bacon from a swanky chocolate shop...  I wasn't impressed.  So I have kind of steered clear of adding bacon to any desserts since then.
Well, until now. 

Behold.  Bacon in sweet, creamy ice cream form! 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Bacon & Egg Angel Hair Pasta

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Can I get a woot-woot for Bacon Month, friends?  I am so excited to be a part of this month-long celebration of bacony goodness!

First up in my bacon delish recipes for the month is my Bacon & Egg Angel Hair Pasta.  Now this is truly breakfast for dinner elevated to a whole 'nother level, my friends. ;)  
I was originally inspired to make this dish when flipping through the March 2013 issue of Better Homes & Gardens and came across a recipe for their Bacon & Egg Spaghetti.  I made a few tweaks of my own to it- nothing too major though.  

I created the recipe to serve just two, but like many of my recipes this one could easily be doubled or tripled if needed. :)

Bacon & Egg Angel Hair Pasta

by Frugal Foodie Mama
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes total
Ingredients (2 servings)
  • 2 thick slices of Italian or French bread (day old is fine), cubed
  • 1 1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 4 slices of bacon, crisped ( I like to bake my at 425 for 15-20 minutes on a rimmed baking sheet.)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 oz of dry angel hair pasta (be sure to reserve a 1/2 cup of the pasta water after cooking and before draining the pasta)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 eggs
  • More Parmesan & fresh parsley for topping the pasta
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium bowl, toss the bread cubes with the 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and grated Parmesan. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once halfway through.
Set aside.

Cook your bacon according to your preference. Set aside.

Prepare your pasta according to the box directions. When done cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set aside.

In the same saucepan you cooked the pasta in, heat the 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add in the garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes and then remove from the heat. Add in the pasta and the reserved pasta water and toss well.

In a medium skillet, heat a little of the bacon drippings or spray with cooking spray. Once the pan is hot, crack in your two eggs. Cook to your preference. I cooked mine to over medium. You do want some runny yolk as this will mix with your pasta and make the entire dish more creamy and rich.

Divide the prepared pasta onto two plates, and then top with the bacon, croutons, and a fried egg on each plate. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley, if you desire.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
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Just how gorgeous is this dish?  Almost too gorgeous to eat, right?
Nahhhhhhh... ;)  Who are we kidding??  I practically licked my plate!




Saturday, August 3, 2013

Are You All Ready For.... BACON Month??

Happy August everyone!
Little did you know this is going to be the best month EVER!!
Why?
Because we've officially dubbed August as

Bacon Month!

  I've teamed up with 9 other bloggers to bring you a month full of bacon happiness in your mouth. Meet the #BaconMonth team...
Image Map
Meghan | The Tasty Fork
Christine | Cook the Story
 
All through out August, you'll be able to find delicious recipes featuring bacon on our blogs. All this bacon love leads up to International Bacon Day on August 31st. We'd love you to celebrate bacon. It really is the happiest food. I mean seriously, just look at this...
Tasty-Kitchen-Blog-Bacon-Jam-07
 
and this....
 
1-braised-bacon1
 
Yeah. Bacon needs a month.
 
Follow along with hashtag #BaconMonth on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Gooogle+, and Instagram.
You can help us get the word out and celebrate your love of bacon by adding the Bacon Month button to your side bar.
baconmonthbase
 
Stay tuned because all the #BaconMonth fun starts tomorrow!
Be sure to keep up on our latest bacon recipes, and get inspired by following the Bacon Month Pinterest board.

I will be posting at least 4 bacon yummy recipes this month!  Stay tuned for bacon recipe #1 some time this coming week. ;)