bacon

We're in the midst of Spring cleaning, and the first order of business — other than tossing out over-the-hill foods — is clearing the pantry, fridge, and freezer of those one-off items that are still hanging around. Our latest series, Cabinet Cleanout, will focus on using the resources we have on hand, and little else.

Last Friday, with the temptation of Thai takeout dangling over my head, I opted to be economical and imaginative with little more than bacon, collard greens, and tomatoes. The pantry was stocked with dry pasta, frozen brown rice, and prepared millet, and while I deliberated pasta with greens, I decided to make bacon-flecked wilted collards, served on a bed of creamy millet the same way a Southern restaurant might offer greens with grits.

I felt healthfully satisfied at the end of dinner, and the vegetable crisper was looking tidier. What imaginative dish would you have come up with using the same ingredients? To see how this meal came together, read more.

Twice-baked potatoes are an iconic American dish that's often served as a side, but why not make them mini and offer as an appetizer? These bite-size twice-baked potatoes are similar to their larger counterparts, yet don't require a fork and knife. Assembling these tiny taters can be a bit of a hassle, however with the right tools (a melon baller or stainless-steel scooper), making them is a breeze.

This indulgent recipe — with sour cream, parmigiano-reggiano, and bacon — is so delicious, if you don't want to make minis, feel free to use the recipe with regular-size potatoes. These are easy to make ahead and bake for the second time just before serving, perfect for your next dinner party or potluck. Miniaturize twice-baked potatoes and keep reading for the recipe.

There are some things in life that aren't supposed to be messed with. One of those things is the BLT sandwich. This traditional combination of porky bacon, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes is perfect just the way it is. While you can serve the trio on fancy bread, I prefer to make them on toasted whole wheat because that's the way my dad made BLTs when I was a girl. Same goes for the condiments: you could add mustard or aioli, but good-old mayonnaise from the jar is fine. The key to a good BLT is to use high-quality ingredients and be generous when layering. Lots of bacon is essential! To check out my method, keep reading.

Have you heard? Breakfast pizzas are all the rage — and I've got the perfect recipe for you to enjoy this delicious trend in the comforts of your own home. No fancy dough is necessary; this tart is made on a flaky puff pastry crust. The dough is partially baked before being topped with cheese, bacon, and eggs.

It may not be the healthiest of breakfasts, but it's a wonderful start to a weekend morning. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your personal tastes. Leave out the bacon or use pancetta instead. Have white cheddar in your fridge? That will work just fine! Serve with cranberry mimosas, and you've got a wonderful brunch that's ideal for entertaining. Get the method now!

Nothing cures a hangover like a bacon and egg sandwich! This is my current favorite recipe: it's a mixture of bacon, onion, and eggs piled high on bread. It's simple but absolutely delicious. The fluffy eggs complement the sweet caramelized onions and salty crispy bacon that's surrounded by warm bread with a soft exterior and crunchy interior. For a little kick, add Tapatío or your preferred hot sauce. The original recipe calls for a loaf of ciabatta, however, you can use whatever bread you have on hand. Also, feel free to adapt the method to suit your needs. Vegetarian? Omit the bacon. Don't have aged cheddar on hand? Substitute parmesan or monterey jack. Ready to fill up on this finger-licking good brunch dish? Read more.

Although the traditional white clam chowder has origins in New England, the hearty soup is enjoyed throughout the entire United States — especially in San Francisco where it's commonly served in sourdough bread bowls. Since I grew up eating the hearty and creamy soup, I find it incredibly tasty and absolutely comforting. A combination of bacon, potatoes, clams, and milk, it's the perfect one-pot meal for a cold and stormy evening. A cream-based soup isn't the healthiest of dishes, but with a side of mixed greens, it makes for an informal celebratory meal. For my favorite recipe, keep reading.

Every once in a while, I unearth a dish that's good enough to be the recipe to end all other recipes. These discoveries are few and far between, but this weekend I found a baking recipe that's so delicious that it's ended my quest for the perfect savory cookie.

May I present the bacon cookie? The name says it all. Actually, it's a bacon, blue cheese, and pecan coin that's short and crumbly at first bite, then melts in your mouth with a nutty, sharp, cheese-like finish. You'll never — I repeat, never — be able to eat just one.

Serve it as a Christmas party appetizer, or wrap it up in cellophane baggies and give it to everyone you love. If you do, you're guaranteed to be a favorite this holiday season. Want the recipe? Yes, you do.

End your Monday — the toughest day of the week — with a bang, not a whimper. For tonight's meal, make the most of leftovers by incorporating the robust flavors of bacon, parmesan, and eggs into a twist on breakfast for dinner in a hearty bread soup. Here, bacon fat, parmesan rinds, and familiar garlic-and-herb flavors come together quickly in a soul-satisfying brodo.
It's topped off with crisped cured pork, crunchy homemade croutons, and a coddled egg. What could be more soul-satisfying? Make it tonight when you read more.

Bacon, spaghetti, and grated cheese are all massively popular in their own right, so it's no wonder that the synergy's magical when you put them together. But as crave-worthy as dishes like pasta carbonara can be, they're heavy on the meat, fat, and carbs but not much else.

Next time you're craving the killer combination, round out your meal by tossing in sautéed cauliflower, along with a few leaves of fresh sage for some earthy, herbal notes. You'll find the result more satisfying. To add creaminess and heft, stir in an egg at the end, too. Want the simple supper now? Then read on.