SPICY PEPPERED BACON RECIPE BACON GREASE BACON DRIPPINGS STORAGE

SPICY PEPPERED BACON RECIPE &
BACON & BACON GREASE
BACON DRIPPINGS STORAGE & INFO


Today I am sharing a little Information on BACON & BACON GREASE.

Did you ever wonder about the date on the back of the bacon package? After the date comes and goes, is it still safe to use the bacon? Of course we all know to store bacon in the refrigerator. Unopened packages of Sliced Bacon can be safely used for up to 1 week past the date stamp. If is is longer than one week past the date, Don't take a chance on it. It is a good habit to always check the date stamp when purchasing anything at the grocery, especially meat & dairy items. The fresher the ingredient, the better tasting the dish.


Storing Un-Cooked bacon:
To store cooked bacon, wrap tightly either in an airtight container or some type of storage wrap (saran wrap, aluminum foil) and keep in the refrigerator. I bought an inexpensive plastic food container at the dollar store. It holds a pound of bacon perfectly. When I only need to fry up a few peices of bacon for bacon cheeseburgers, chicken monterey or hot club sammies, I remove what I need and wrap the opened package tightly in foil and then place it in the container. Back in the fridge it goes. Once opened, bacon can be safely stored for up to a week in the fridge.

When I find a good sale on bacon I buy a few extra pounds and as soon as I get home they go right in the freezer. I have read you can freeze bacon for up to several months. When I pull a pound out to thaw, I use a sharpee to write the 'new' use by date on the package.


Storing Cooked Bacon:
Cooked bacon can be wrapped airtight
and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
It never lasts that long around here
:)

BACON GREASE INFORMATION

C A U T I O N :
Never !
Never !
Ever , pour bacon grease down the kitchen drain.

If you don’t plan to save it for later use, there are
several methods of disposing of this southern liquid gold.

Bacon grease is also called:
bacon drippings or renderings or pan drippings.
*to pronounce this properly leave out any 'g' inflection.
pan dripp-ins
;)

pour the grease into a coffee can
refrigerate until it turns solid, toss into the trash.
or
place an open baggie in a large mug,
pour the grease into the baggie, zip it up and throw it away.


STORING BACON GREASE

Many stores carry grease tins made just for storing bacon grease.
I got a small one at Walmart. They come with a strainer that slips out easily for cleaning.
No matter what you have heard do not try to store bacon grease OUT of the refrigerator. It gets rancid in a very short period of time. It can make you sick if you use it. Be sure that you store your grease in the regrigerator or freezer.

This is how I use drippings.
I think of it as a seasoning-
I use it sparingly and in my opinion, moderation is the key.

I use it when I want an extra zip of flavor in,
for example: my green beans, pintos, corn bread or place some in a skillet and saute onions & garlic. The smell and added taste is amazing. Many old fashioned gravy recipes start out with:
Use the renderings in the skillet, add flour, etc... Supposedly the original RED EYE GRAVY recipe called for bacon grease drippings ONLY. You can also brush the tops of biscuits with a little melted bacon grease, right before they are finished baking, just to give the biscuits a pleasing golden color. If you have never tried using bacon grease for cooking. Give it a try. It is also great for seasoning Cabbage, frying eggs, beans, soups, roux, corn muffins, the list goes on and on...

USING BACON GREASE OUTDOORS
You can also use bacon grease to make home made suet for the birds. Occasionaly you may feed a small amount to your outdoor dogs and cats. It is a old time country method to prevent worms in dogs and prevent hair balls in cats.


^^

Here is a yummy Peppered Bacon Recipe.
I like to find or create recipes that can be used T o n s of different ways. It's good as a side for a breakfast of omlettes or waffles or french toast. A couple of slices are Great on Cheeseburgers.
Diced on a Hot Baked Potato, with a little butter and sour creme. Take a piece of grilled boneless chicken, melt a slice of monterey jack or cheddar cheese then top with a slice or two of peppered bacon.

Of course you could always go with the all time 'bestest' sandwich...
Peppered Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato, served on toasted texas toast with a smattering of Mayo or Miracle whip.
YUMMM !



SPICY PEPPERED BACON RECIPE

In a small bowl combine
special spice ingredients:
3 Tbls sugar
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp coarsely ground pepper
2 Tbls water
stir with fork until mixed well.

In a skillet (I prefer cast iron) over medium heat
fry up 1 pound bacon until crisp.
(thick-sliced bacon works best)
Drain on two layers of paper towels.
Remove the grease from the skillet
don't forget to save your grease
=0)

Return the bacon to the skillet.
Drizzle the spice mixture over the bacon.
Simmer on medium high heat for about 3 minutes.
Make sure you turn or toss the bacon often to coat well.

Turn out onto waxed paper or a foil lined baking sheet.
It's easy to separate the pieces using two forks.

Keep warm in a 250F oven until ready to serve.


^^

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