Cuisine: Bacon

Peanut Butter, Scallion, and Bacon Canapés

We used to be members of the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. They often served these peanut butter and bacon canapés that were our favorite. Peanut butter and bacon are a classic combination, and the scallions add a nice freshness and crunch. The combination of salty and sweet flavors is really addictive. I will admit, the recipe sounds extremely strange, and when I made these, they disappeared in less than 5 minutes! My husband insists that the Cal Club version was lots of butter, then peanut butter, then bacon on toast.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: Makes 36 canapés

Baked Bacon and Leek Risotto

I found this recipe on Sainsbury's website. I have completely changed it. Yes, Baked Bacon and Leek Risotto is much easier to make than stovetop risotto. The oven does the hard work of cooking the rice, so you don't have to stand over the stove stirring constantly. This dish is also less likely to overcook, as the oven will keep the risotto moist and creamy.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Creamy Chilli, Bacon and Tomato Spaghetti

Spaghetti, four strips of bacon, a can of diced tomatoes, a bit of cream, spices, and viola, you've got a satisfying meal. This Creamy Chilli, Bacon and Tomato Spaghetti is of course topped off with parmesan cheese. These are all ingredients that I always have on hand. Made this last night when our kids came for a spontaneous dinner. We even made garlic bread out of some leftover hot dog buns! Talk about haute cuisine!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Coq Au Vin Blanc

Coq au vin is a classic French dish of chicken that is braised in wine, with bacon, and mushrooms. A red Burgundy wine is typically used, though there are variations in the different regions of France, such as coq au vin jaune, coq au riesling, coq au pourpre or coq au violet, and coq au Champagne. I actually prefer it using white wine. Coq au vin is basically a chicken stew.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Stir-Fried Udon With Bacon, Parmesan & Gochujang

If three chefs, one Korean, one Japanese, and one Italian walked into a kitchen (bar)... This Stir-Fried Udon With Bacon, Parmesan & Gochujang is sort of a carbonara using Asian ingredients. I know it sounds a bit odd, but it totally works. The key to making this is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go because this dish is very quick to make. You should use frozen Japanese udon, which has a completely different texture than the dried version.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings

Creamy Pasta with Broccoli & Bacon

This Creamy Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon is quick and a wonderful weeknight dinner. It's sure to satisfy your whole family. Sun-dried tomatoes give it a tangy and subtly sweet flavor, which pairs well with the saltiness of the bacon. You can also add chicken breast if you want to add more protein.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon

These Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon are one of my favorite hors d'oeuvres. I love the sweetness of the dates with the saltiness of the bacon which all come together with the tangy goat cheese. I assemble them earlier in the day ready for the oven later.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes make a delicious side dish. You can make them in an Instant Pot or Stovetop. It's perfect for a barbeque or any potluck meal.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 5 Servings

Risotto à la Carbonara

My family is obsessed with carbonara. It's one of the things we make when there's "nothing to eat". I have made many different versions of carbonara, which apparently really pisses off some Italians. The New York Times cooked up the controversy in Italy after tinkering with the recipe for the classic Roman dish pasta carbonara. There is also Carbonara wars: why Italy is right to be mad about a French farfalle travesty. Clearly, I do not care and always "tinker" with my damned carbonara! So I made this Risotto à la Carbonara in my Instant Pot (I have also included the stovetop version). All I can say is that I saw my guest's eyes roll back in there head. It's just that good. 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is from Outback Steakhouse.The chicken breast is marinated, grilled and topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack, Cheddar cheese and honey mustard sauce. I have never been to an Outback Steakhouse and not sure why you wouldn't order a steak! Apparently, this chicken dish is very popular. The chicken is so tender and juicy! 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings