Bacon & Ranch Smashed Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

These crispy & flavorful Bacon & Ranch Smashed Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts will quickly become your new go-to side dish...

Confession time: Once upon a time I was one of those kids who didn't like Brussels sprouts. I wouldn't go near them. I had even convinced myself that they were the little cabbages that Cabbage Patch dolls were born from (yes, I had quite the imagination as a kiddo). 

Not that I think that made me unique or anything as a child (other than that Cabbage Patch dolls bit ;) ). It seems to be pretty standard that most kids won't touch Brussels sprouts. Even my own kiddos aren't fans of them.

This has me convinced that Brussels sprouts must be an acquired taste, something you must come to appreciate and love as you get older. I also have another theory about my disgust with Brussels sprouts growing up- they weren't being cooked right. The sprouts I ate as a kid were steamed, and mushy, and pretty bland. It wasn't until I had oven roasted Brussels sprouts early into my adulthood that I finally found my affinity for this misunderstood veggie.

Easy Bacon & Egg Cups

These Easy Bacon & Egg Cups are perfectly poppable & portable making them great for a weekend brunch spread or for a quick & hearty breakfast on the go...

Okay, so I totally teased you all with this recipe on my Instagram last Wednesday, and for that I do sincerely apologize, folks. It wasn't entirely fair to make you all wait five days on the how-to for these Easy Bacon & Egg Cups, but us bloggers do have this little thing called an editorial calendar that sometimes gets in the way of allowing us to share new recipes with you all sooner. 

But don't fret! The long wait is finally over, my friends. ;) And as I promised my followers on Instagram last week, this easy breakfast recipe was definitely worth the wait. 

You literally need only THREE ingredients to make these Easy Bacon & Egg Cups! (Well five, if you count the salt & pepper and fresh parsley.) These little cups of breakfast goodness are perfectly poppable and portable, making them great for a weekend brunch spread or for a quick & hearty breakfast on the go... :)

Potato Biscuits & Bacon Gravy Poutine

Moist & fluffy potato biscuits are topped with cheese curds, a homemade bacon gravy, and crispy bacon in this Potato Biscuits & Bacon Gravy Poutine...

If you happen to love poutine as much as I do, then I have good news for you, folks- I just took my poutine recipe game to the breakfast table! ;) As some of you may recall, I have been kind of obsessed with this traditional Canadian dish (& it's many variations) since I attended the Food & Wine conference last July. We were spoiled by this amazing and HUGE poutine bar for lunch one day of the conference, and I have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, cheese curds are kind of hard to come by where I live. We have very few dairy farms here in West Virginia, and cheese curds are usually an artisanal product of local dairies. But then the other week as I was browsing the cheese selection at my local grocery store, I spotted them- Wisconsin cheese curds! Granted, there was only one kind made by a single brand, but to say I was ecstatic to finally have my hands on some cheese curds without having to drive hours for them (ahem... Ohio) would be an understatement. 

And I found them just in time too because Sunday Supper and the Food & Wine Conference had just announced their first recipe contest for 2016- a poutine recipe contest sponsored by the Idaho® Potato Commission. This hearty & comforting Potato Biscuits & Bacon Gravy Poutine recipe is my entry, folks... :)

Black, Bleu, & Bacon Rice Casserole

I am partnering with Success® Rice today to bring you all this delicious family-pleasing Black, Bleu, & Bacon Casserole perfect for a busy weeknight...

If your family's weeknights are anything like the ones that we have in this house, then you are probably always on the lookout for weeknight friendly dinner ideas that go beyond the usual pizza, take-out, and quick frozen meals.  And let's face it- we are always searching for just about anything that can actually be claimed as homemade and can be on the dinner table in less than an hour.

And that is where Success® Rice can become your new weeknight dinner best friend. Their no-mess boil-in-bag rices can be ready in just 10 minutes- perfect for any quick weeknight dinner idea that you may have!  You can make their rices on the stove top or in your microwave. Plus, it is totally cool if they hang out up to 30 minutes in hot water while you prep the rest of your dinner.

And forget the standard chicken and rice casseroles! Not when you can have your favorite burger in a rice casserole form, like this simple yet flavorful Black, Bleu, & Bacon Rice Casserole... 

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? 

Bacon & Corn Risotto

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

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...

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...

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...

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. ;)

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Butter Pecan Sweet Rolls

These Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Butter Pecan Sweet Rolls start with a box of butter pecan cake mix, are filled with crunchy pecans, and are then topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze and salty bacon...

Father's Day is less than two days away, folks. If you don't have a plan yet, let me help you out with that right about now with these Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Butter Pecan Sweet Rolls.

Yes, I said brown sugar. 

And bacon.

And pecans.

And sweet rolls.... all in the same recipe title. 

I am almost certain that there is no way that you could possibly go wrong making these for dad for Father's Day breakfast or brunch.

I haven't met a man yet who would turn down a homemade sweet roll... or bacon, for that matter. ;)

These Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Butter Pecan Sweet Rolls start with a box of butter pecan cake mix, are filled with crunchy pecans, and are then topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze and salty bacon... It's cool if you just started drooling on your keyboard. I will look away and give you a moment. 

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! 

Bacon & Egg Angel Hair Pasta

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

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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!

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...

Becca | It's Yummilicious

Jamie | Mom's Test Kitchen

Carrie | Frugal Foodie Mama

Rachel | {I Love} My Disorganized Life

Kelley | Miss Information

Julie | This Gal Cooks

Kim | Cravings of a Lunatic

Meghan | The Tasty Fork

Christine | Cook the Story

Julie | White Lights on Wednesday

 

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...

 

and this....

 

 

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.

 

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. ;)

Asparagus Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing {A Guest Recipe from Little Miss Celebration}

Hello everyone! I’m Cindy from Little Miss Celebration and it is an absolute joy to be here guest posting at Frugal Foodie Mama. A huge hug of thanks to Carrie for inviting me! I love celebrations of all kinds – from holidays to birthdays to making Sunday dinner fun and special – and at Little Miss Celebration, we mix up crafting, cooking, baking and more, with a lot of fun, to help “craft” everything you celebrate!

I’m a big fan of vintage recipes and cookbooks. Today, I'm adapting a recipe from a fantastic 1958 cookbook passed down to me from my mother-in-law. I have a bit of a confession to make – growing up, it was always a struggle to get me to eat vegetables! I’m always on the hunt for ways to make vegetables interesting, different , delicious and fun! Please accept my warmest invitation to pop over to Little Miss Celebration and get the recipe for this fun take on asparagus AND bacon! Can’t wait to see you and thank you, Carrie, it’s so wonderful to be here today!  

Thank you so much, Cindy for this fabulous summer time salad recipe! :) Just click the link above to get the full recipe, folks.