Intro


Remember that time a few weeks ago when I promised bacon? You thought I lied didn’t you? Well, I didn’t because today is the day. Let’s just go ahead and call it bacon day because not only do I have two great recipes (a goat cheese and bacon pasta and red onion and bacon jam) but there’s a video that my brother created about bacon and me.

The video was created alongside a great local company, Hempler’s and sort of shows a bit of a day in my life. I’m a leeeettle embarrassed but more than that I am excited to finally be able show it to you all and also point you towards this great company. (Check out the site – my other brother developed it – it’s a family affair).

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Fettuccine with Goat Cheese, Leeks and Bacon // Bacon Jam

This dish is typical of our weeknight food. It comes together quickly, is based off our pantry staples and the kids don’t complain too much about a creamy pasta with bacon. This recipe is very basic so feel free to adapt to suite your needs. Once the kids have been served I like to sprinkle my serving with chili flakes.

 

8 slices of bacon roughly chopped

2 medium leeks

½ cup (4 ounces) goat cheese (chevre)

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 pound fettuccine

grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for finishing

 

Cook the pasta then drain reserving some of the pasta water. Add the pasta to a large bowl.

 

In a large saute pan cook the bacon until crisp. Slice the white part of the leeks and add to the bacon. Cook until leeks are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat then stir in the thyme and goat cheese.

 

Combine the bacon and goat cheese mixture with the pasta. Add pasta water as needed to make a creamy sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

 

Red Onion and Bacon Jam

I realize bacon jam was SO 2011 but let’s face it, it’s friggin’ good which also makes it SO 2013 or any year for that matter. Of course it makes a perfect burger accessory but this onion-heavy and deeply tangy version loves a breakfast sandwich or simple baked potatoes.

 

1 pound bacon, roughly chopped

3 medium red onions, sliced

½ cup brewed coffee

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup brown sugar

½ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

salt

 

In a large skillet cook the bacon until crisp. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid is syrupy and reduced, this should take about an hour depending on the size pan you use. Stir occasionally while the jam is simmering. Once syrupy and thick taste and season as desired.

 

Once cooled place jam in an airtight container. Refrigerated the jam will keep for 1 week.

 

This jam is amazing on burgers, toast topped with a fried egg, baked potatoes, stirred into sour cream and/or cream cheese for a dip.

*The content for this project was created for Hempler’s by my brothers and myself. Our parents are proud.

46 Responses to “Bacon Day”

  1. Kathryn

    I loved the video Ashley, you have no reason to be embarrassed about it AT ALL. You’re so natural and passionate and enthusiastic that it just makes me want to get into the kitchen. Two recipes to go with it too that I know will be in constant rotation in my home.

  2. The Life of Clare

    I haven’t watched the video yet, as I’m in bed and hubby is still sleeping. I love bacon! These 2 recipes look fantastic!

  3. Amanda

    Check. Shouldn’t we all declare a bacon day? Very curious about this jam. I tend to come into trends about four years late anyway, be they capris, skinny jeans, or bacon (everything). So I’m right on time with this one!

  4. sundiegoeats

    Bacon and goat cheese don’t get paired together often enough and the cool creaminess of goat cheese balance the salty bacon so well!

  5. Todd Wagner

    Wonderful video..you look so comfortable in front of the camera. Thank you for being such a source of inspiration!

  6. Shanna

    Oh my goodness, the video! I love it. PS you have the most beautiful children ever. EVER.

  7. Louise @ Kitchen Fiddler

    Even though I just finished dinner, I am sorely tempted to get back in the kitchen to make both of these bacon recipes right now! And how fun to have a glimpse of you and your beautiful family through a different medium–thank you for sharing!

  8. Katie

    Love the video!! I often don’t take the time to watch blog videos but this was just the right length, honest and to the point! Well done.

  9. Aimee

    Ack! I loved this glimpse into your family dinner! What a fun video. And now I want to get our kids together to play – while we cook, of course. =)

  10. sara

    i love it! So precious. You are a natural and the video was SO well done. Makes me excited to see my friend 🙂

  11. sarah

    ‘It has bacon in it!’ {that was my favorite part.} Also, I agree, you seem so comfortable and natural in the video. It’s great!

    And, what lovely recipes. Can’t wait to try out that pasta for dinner.

  12. Heidi

    Your parents have every reason to be proud. Love the video and snaps of your kiddos, looks like dinner time is always entertaining at your house 😉

  13. Christine Somers

    After years of being told to exclude bacon from our diet, it is exciting to see it back in favor again because I love bacon.

  14. Agi

    Love the idea of bacon jam! Am making this and giving it to my daughter who LOVES bacon.

  15. Mandy Cave

    That video is fantastic! I love, love, love it 🙂 You did a great job. Just as sincere as your bloggings.

  16. Cookie and Kate

    Love the video, Ashley! It’s so fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at your approach. I have a serious weakness for bacon (the good kind!) and this pasta sounds incredible.

  17. BIG CHEF ONLINE

    Love the video! Thanks for sharing your techniques with us. I found you on the Saveur blog and am delighted to find you. Am definitely a new fan!

    Warmly,

    Rosana Santos Calambichis
    BigChefOnline.com

  18. Michelle

    That pasta looks really, really good. It’s definitely on my must-try list for this weekend.

  19. Trisha @ Vignette

    The creamy pasta dish looks delicious! Sounds like an easy one to adapt into a vegetarian version for me, and just sprinkle the bacon on top for my husband! Thanks for the recipe!

  20. Debbi

    Big fan, long time. Didn’t know you used VSCO until your interview. I wished you would have said which filter you used. Or which set, there are three. Love you pics and recipes!

  21. Shauna

    Bacon and pasta in one dish looks yummy! I never cooked with Leeks before, but looks good.

  22. Lorna

    Oh Ashley – you were fab. I felt so proud of you – you looked beautiful and you sounded so sincere and sweet. I loved the passion and simplicity you gave to the presentation. And your children are simply beautiful. Lots of love honey! Lorna XXX

  23. Stuart

    I can’t stop staring at the fried egg on a bed of bacon jam. BACON JAM?! I’ve never heard of something so fabulous. it lasts a week you say? not in my house it wouldn’t. I’m going to try making this at the weekend. Thanks.

  24. Brenden

    Pasta looks preeti awesome and I think it taste really good with goat cheese. You have lost of tasty and healthy recipes in your blog, Thanks for sharing with us.

  25. McKenna

    Yum, I love pasta dishes that have very few ingredients. cheese and bacon are great pairings with pasta but I have never had or made bacon jam before. Anything with bacon sounds amazing to me! I will have to make both of these recipes sometime soon.