Bacon

Breakfast bacon typically refers to strips of cured and smoked pork belly. Sometimes other flavors are added during the process such as hickory, brown sugar and maple. Once you open a package of bacon, wrap the unused portion tightly in aluminum foil, seal in a plastic bag, and plan to use within a week or so.

A serving of bacon is usually 2 strips, but bacon fiends will tuck away a lot more. Cooking bacon can be pretty messy, but those bacon fiends don’t mind. There are several options you can choose from.

Instructions: 

For all methods: Arrange the strips, not touching each other, on a cold pan. Check often as the cooking time comes to an end because it’s easy to overcook or burn bacon. The bacon is done when the meat has turned from pink to brown, and if you like it crispy cook it a bit more. Once it is done, drain it on paper towels.

▪ Baking: Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Use a baking pan with a broiling rack that fits over it and will let the grease run off, but if you don’t have one use a baking sheet. Total cooking time will likely be 15 to 20 minutes, but check at 10 minutes and add time as needed.

▪ Broiling: This method will cook the bacon faster than baking but it’s easier to overcook it so check often. Preheat the broiler, cook for about 3 minutes and then check it. When the tops look brown, turn the bacon over and cook the other side. The second side may take less time than the first side.

▪ Pan frying: A cast iron pan is ideal if you have one. If not, any frying pan will do. You don’t need to add any extra oil and remember to start with the bacon in a cold pan. Set the heat to medium low and if you get a lot of splattering lower the heat. When one side is brown turn the bacon and cook the other side. If you are cooking more than one batch pour off the oil and let the pan cool off a bit between batches. It won’t be completely cool but you’ll manage.

▪ Microwave: Layer a couple of paper towels on the cooking plate and arrange the bacon on top. Cover with another paper towel. Microwaves vary and you will figure out what works best for yours with a little experience, but for starters cook on high for 1 minute for 2 strips, 3 minutes for 4 strips, and 4 minutes for 6 strips. Add time in 30 second or 1 minute intervals depending upon how close the bacon looks to being done.