This article discusses the importance of bacon as a versatile ingredient and shares insights from chefs on their preferred store-bought bacon and tips for cooking it.
Preferred Bacon Brand:
- North Country Smokehouse’s Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon is highly recommended by chefs. Chef Gavin Lambert of Bon Ami and Chef Brian Poe from Boston, who learned about the brand from Thomas Keller, both praise its quality. They appreciate the delicacy of the smoke and the care in its production.
- This bacon is versatile for use in stews, braises, and sauces. Chefs also recommend saving the rendered bacon fat, referring to it as “liquid gold,” for cooking in place of oil.
- Chef Morgan Jarrett of STATE Grill and Bar uses North Country bacon for a special dish called “Clothesline Bacon.”
Availability:
- North Country Smokehouse Organic Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon is widely available, even outside New England. It can be found at Whole Foods for $7.43 for 8 ounces.
Chef-Approved Cooking Tips:
- Oven Cooking: Chefs prefer cooking bacon in the oven over pan-frying. They suggest laying bacon on a parchment-lined sheet tray in a single layer and cooking at 350ºF. Flipping the bacon halfway through cooking is crucial to avoid overcooking on one side.
- Saving Bacon Grease: Chefs urge not to discard the bacon grease. It can be saved in a container like the Talisman Designs Bacon Bin Grease Holder and used for general cooking needs.
In summary, for those looking to recreate restaurant-level magic at home, the article recommends North Country Smokehouse’s Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon for its quality and versatility. Additionally, it provides practical tips for cooking and utilizing bacon fat in home cooking.
Reference: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/asked-3-chefs-name-best-153000943.html
