Hipsters on Horseback

A recipe sent in by our West Coast correspondent, Kajsa:

You've had Angels On Horseback, (oysters wrapped in bacon), and Devils On Horseback, (dates wrapped in bacon - the ones at Magnolia are fantastic), I now give you Hipsters On Horseback! Yes, there may have been drinking involved in the naming of this creation. These are super simple and quick to make and the brininess of the hearts goes well with the salty fattiness of the bacon. I prefer to use thick cut peppered bacon from a butcher—it cooks more evenly and is easier to wrap.

1lb bacon
1 large jar of marinated artichoke hearts

Preheat broiler to 400º and move the rack to the top position.
Line a shallow baking pan with aluminum foil.
Drain the artichoke hearts and cut the bacon in half, wrap each heart and secure with a toothpick.
Broil for 5 minutes, turn them over and broil for another 5 - 9 minutes, until bacon is crispy.
Makes about 24

Can I rate my own dish? 4 strips!!!

Best Bacon of 2009

I started rating bacon at the beginning of this year so as it comes to a close it seems appropriate to take a look back at the best bacon I’ve had this year. Below is a list of all the 4-strip ratings of 2009... Happy New Year!

Sala - datil (dates stuffed with almonds, wrapped in bacon)

Applewood - applewood smoked bacon

Char No. 4 - cheesy bacon grits

S’mac - 4 cheese mac with slab bacon

Salt - honey-glazed, bacon wrapped dates

Char No. 4 - grilled asparagus with bacon dressing

Irving Mill - bacon cheddar burger

Hale & Hearty - sweet corn chowder with bacon

Nolita House - mac & cheese with bacon

Permanent Brunch - Hungarian smoked kolozsvari

(also available at Grateful Palate)

Bacon Bird

Dress (your turkey) to impress this Thanksgiving... bacon-wrapped turkeys are said to be moist, flavorful and create a delicious gravy. Not to brag, but I have made very moist, flavorful birds before—with butter, not bacon. But this seems even more alluring. Why not forgo the ham and just cook your pig and poultry in one pan? I’m not going to attempt this but if you have the time and space, knock yourself out—and send me pictures! Recipe here.

Review: Salt

Appetizer at Salt on MacDougal & King in Soho.

Honey-glazed dates wrapped in bacon.

The General Greene

The General Greene is a pork lover’s paradise—evident in the wait staff’s “Swinevore” t-shirts (I want one!). Pig is very prominent on this menu of mostly small plates made for sharing. I had an entirely bacon-filled 3 course meal starting with the bacon dates followed by the iceberg wedge with buttermilk blue cheese dressing and bacon. Candied bacon served as my main course as it was certainly substantial enough. Everything was tasty and satisfying. This meal could have been absolutely perfect if only they had their “Elvis" flavor ice cream—peanut butter and banana ice cream with bacon. Alas, it was not on the menu that day (I will continue to call and harass them until ?I find out when it is)... instead I tried the salted caramel ice cream which was divine. 

For a taste of Elvis, try the fantastic peanut butter banana ice cream at Blue Marble on Atlantic. Sadly there is no bacon in their version but it's still really amazing. 

Bacon Wrapped. Deep Fried.

Paula can be annoying at times but her recipes are NEVER disappointing. I want to go to to Savannah just to eat at Lady & Sons!

I believe this is based on a recipe from Stuff Magazine. It looks gross but if you use the right dogs and good cheese (NOT spray cheese!) I bet it's pretty damn tasty!!

More deep-fried, bacon wrapped goodness:

Deep-fried Bacon Wrapped Chicken Cubes

Deep-fried Bacon Wrapped Oysters

Bacon Wrapped Mushroom & Feta Cheese Stuffed Deep-fried Chicken

Deep-fried Bacon Wrapped Banana

Party Perfect

Wouldn’t it be a fantastic surprise if you picked up an hors d'oeuvre and the toothpick was as tasty as the treat that it’s holding? Imagine serving bacon wrapped dates—or bacon wrapped anything—with these Bacon Flavored Toothpicks!

Thanks to Kwanza (via I♥Bacon) for the tip!

Review: Souza’s Churrascaria

Dinner at Souza’s in Burlington, VT.

Bacon-wrapped turkey:

Bacon-wrapped filet mignon:

Review: Sala

Tapas at Sala on Bowery and Great Jones in Noho.

Datil (dates stuffed with almonds, wrapped in bacon):

Pig Candy Update

As I mentioned a few days ago, I bought a bacon chocolate bar for my friend's party this weekend. I was skeptical at first... but I have to say, it was quite an unexpectedly delicious treat. 

Also at the party were these fantastic little bread sticks wrapped in bacon and sprinkled with cheese. Bacon and cheese—can it get any better?