Bacon (prepped & frozen)

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From as far back as I remember my Mom had one of these very handy hand cranked food grinders.


We used it for lots of things! One thing in particular that I find it handy for is making 'real food' perfect bacon bits. My MIL introduced me to the uncured bacon ends from our local grocery store that are sold for a very good price and perfect for this type of thing. If I put the package into the freezer for a half hour before grinding it works like a charm. And the kids love this job! ☺




Fry and drain well. I usually drain most of the fat off like this and then pour the bits onto several layers of absorbent paper towels. Place a couple more layers of towels on top and press to remove the rest of the grease. I made the mistake recently of not pressing the grease out. Bad idea! It froze in a solid clump and had to be reheated and drained again. Store in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and freeze. I use these on pizza, salads, or wherever else that bacon bits are called for. So handy!


Next up is the bacon I prepare and freeze for speedy breakfasts. Right now my son leaves for work some mornings anywhere from 4:30- 5:15 in the morning and he likes to eat a good breakfast even at that hour in the morning and this comes in handy because it just takes minutes to heat on the same pan as the eggs and toast I make for him. If you are lucky enough to have a Pampered Chef stone bar pan you are in business my friend! This pan makes perfect bacon in about 20 minutes at 400°. I like to buy bacon when it is BOGO but I don't like to have it hanging around in the fridge or freezer uncooked.


Drain this well too on paper towels pressing to remove all the grease before storing in Tupperware containers in the freezer. Freezing it first in a single layer is a good idea but not essential.



Happy Friday!

See Ya In The Gumbo

~Blessings!~


Comments

  1. Laura @TravelocafeAugust 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    Oh, I have so much more to learn. Wonderful blog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CindyAugust 20, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    I do have a Pampered Chef Bar pan and this is one of the many things I use it for. I also like to give PC bar pans for wedding gifts.
    I became a PC consultant about 10 years ago just so I could have easy access to wedding gifts. Because of Pampered Bride wedding showers all of my children and nieces have well stocked kitchens. I do love a new kitchen toy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michelle BAugust 20, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    It tickles me to death knowing that you have all that bacon stored in your freezer (and maybe makes me a little bit jealous too). I LOVE this bacon bit tip--excellent!
    Thank you for linking this week with See Ya In the Gumbo. I appreciate you sharing these handy bacon tips!

    ReplyDelete

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