Bacon Goes BIG

January 20, 2010 by Marianne

January 20, 2010 • Filed Under: Bacon Recipes, Bacon Reviews , Bacon, Oscar Mayer, Super Thick Cut Bacon

We were recently contacted by Oscar Mayer, asking us if we’d like to try out their new product, Super Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon. Because we are no fools, we said, “yes please!” You may have seen this new bacon mentioned on, oh, EVERY OTHER BACON BLOG by now, but we here at RBS really like to take our time to savor a new experience. Look at it from every angle. Meet its mom and dad before we make a commitment.

First let’s talk about the term “Super Thick Cut.” I tried really hard to take a photo that would emphasize the thickness of these slices, but I just couldn’t do them justice. I will say this: there are only 9 slices to a pound. I’d say they’re just slightly thicker than your average slice of Canadian bacon. They’re like something from the Flintstones. Wilma would serve this brontobacon with a side of pterodactyl eggs. And Fred would love it.

Good old Oscar also sent us a handful of creative recipes to try, but I really wanted to put the bacon to everyday uses and see how it fit. I’m here to tell you, it fits like a glove. First I made the classic: bacon and eggs. It takes me about 20 minutes to make bacon of average thickness, frying it on low heat and making sure it’s cooked evenly. Drives my husband crazy. I figured this bacon would take at least 30 minutes, but on the contrary it took only 15! This was because the larger slices (in my usual small frying pan) made more grease, decreasing overall cooking time and aiding in even doneness. And 2 slices each was more than enough…we both ended up giving Brutus a bite or two.

On to what I use bacon for most: enhancing the joy of vegetables. My husband was making seared Ahi the other night and wanted to try those cool Chinese long beans we always see at the Asian market. He used a few slices of the Super Thick Cut and seasoned it with hot chili powder. It was absolutely delicious and added a nice toothsome feature to the lightly blanched beans.

A couple nights later, I decided to try roasting some cauliflower, something I had eaten at a friend’s house. I chopped up the last two slices of bacon and tossed them with raw cauliflower chunks, then roasted it all at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. I probably should have half-cooked the bacon before adding it to the pan…it didn’t reach quite the crispiness I was looking for, but I didn’t want to over-cook the veggies. All in all, though, it was good. The bacon grease helped brown the cauliflower and of course lended it a delicious, salty flavor.

Naseem said she ate her bacon almost immediately after I delivered it to her, so I’d say she’s giving this product 2 thumbs up. And I’m with her…I’ve not typically been a thick-cut fan, but Super Thick Cut is a whole different story. I’m backing this bacon 100%.

And now for the best news. Oscar Mayer has given us 10 FREE SUPER THICK CUT BACON COUPONS to do with what we will, and of course we’d love to share this product with our readers. All you have to do is send us an email with your address, and one of them will be on its way to you. But act fast, these will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. We’d love for you to try the bacon yourself and tell us what you think!

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The Sticky Pig

December 21, 2009 by Marianne

December 21, 2009 • Filed Under: Bacon Gifts , bacon candy, The Sticky Pig

I know what you’re thinking. New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and what am I going to take to that cocktail party to wow my friends? Or, what’s the perfect hostess gift for the kind of friend who doesn’t ask you to bring an appetizer? Or…or, how do you say “I love you but I’m not IN LOVE with you” on a major holiday?

Look no further, friends. The Bacon Vixen has got you covered with her new candy company, The Sticky Pig. And this is not just any candy company. No! This is a bacon candy company, specializing entirely in candy, yes that’s right, made of bacon. And with flavors like Coconut Curry Lime and Raspberry Jelly Doughnut, you can color me completely mesmerized.

The great thing about these candies is that they’re not some novelty item like “bacon” jellybeans or gummi bacon. This is the real deal, made with all natural ingredients. You can buy a variety pack, or go for a monthly subscription. And the website encourages special orders, so you can give them a call and let them know, for instance, that you’re allergic to nuts but still want to eat an adorable little bacon s’more.

The company is based in Orange County, but can ship anywhere in the U.S. International shipping is not yet available, but hopefully that will be forthcoming. You would not believe how much people in Northern Europe love their bacon!

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Tea Time

December 17, 2009 by Marianne

December 17, 2009 • Filed Under: Bacon Reviews , 52 teas, Bacon, maple bacon tea

So my maple bacon black tea arrived this week, and I was so excited to try it! First of all, it came loose, giving me an excuse to use that teaball spoon I’ve had sitting in a drawer for the past 3 years. I loves me some kitchen gadgets, but don’t always use them as often as my husband considers to be “justification for ownership.” FYI husband, I used the tea spoon AND those cute 4 ounce ramekins this winter, so see? I totally deserve that ebelskiver pan.

Anyway, when I opened the tea pouch, the first thing I did was take a big whiff. Hm. Smells like black tea. Maybe a little maple syrup, but mostly just…gross. Okay, no problem, smells and tastes don’t always match. Next, I poured some tea into my hand to investigate. There were definitely some bacon bits in there, but I couldn’t smell them at all. I have to say, I give 52 Teas props for not just throwing some liquid smoke in the mix to get the effect. That’s my biggest beef with “bacon flavored” novelties; they’re usually just regular food/candy with some smoke attached.

Okay, well on to the taste test. I put a teaspoon of tea in my tea spoon. How many times are you allowed to say tea in one sentence? (Ooh, check out that huge bacon nug in the spoon!) Anyway, I steeped it for 5 minutes as recommended and added one packet of Splenda, because I supposedly don’t do sugar these days. I thought honey might help boost the maple flavor, but I didn’t want to taint the results. On my first sip, I thought perhaps I tasted a little maple, but it was faint. I kept drinking and a few sips in I thought perhaps I was just imagining any flavors beyond black tea…the power of suggestion.

I’m a cream-in-my-tea type, so about halfway through the cup I added a little. And that was the end of that. No bacon, no maple, but it reminded me of good English breakfast tea. So I enjoyed the rest of the cup and will be very happy to drink the rest of the tea as well. The black tea itself seems to be of very high quality, so I can still recommend 52 Teas without reserve, regardless of any novelty flavors. I would much prefer the flavors be too subtle than see a whole bag of tea ruined by artificial smoke and mirrors.

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Just in Time for Winter

December 7, 2009 by Marianne

December 7, 2009 • Filed Under: Bacon Gifts , 52 teas, Bacon

I’ve been hearing for months that the west coast is in for an epic El Nino winter, and it looks like maybe it’s finally starting. With rain and clouds predicted for this entire week, I think I’ll put on something cozy and have a cup of tea.

And speaking of soothing hot beverages, 52 Teas has joined us here in baconland with their very own maple bacon tea. It’s a base of black tea cut with imitation bacon bits, and infused with maple and bacon flavors. Doesn’t that just sound like breakfast in a mug? I really liked Boca Java’s Maple Bacon Coffee but thought it could have used a stronger bacon flavor. With black tea, the bacon may be able to shine a little more, so I’m going to give it a try. Naseem and I will give you a full review after it arrives.

If you’re a tea fanatic, you really should check out 52 Teas. They’ve got a wide variety of unique tea flavors like malted chocolate, pumpkin pie and banana split, along with all the tradition flavors you love. Perfect for cold winter mornings and evenings. Also a thoughtful gift for your friends that won’t break the bank.

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Bacon Freak’s Top 10 Bacon Gifts

December 2, 2009 by Marianne

December 2, 2009 • Filed Under: Bacon Gifts , Bacon, Bacon Freak, bacon store

I know people keep trying to say the bacon craze is over. I know there are some people out there who don’t want to hear, see, or think about bacon anymore. If any of those people are reading this now…well, why would they be? It’s a bacon blog. So I’ll just pretend they don’t exist.

Although I experienced a lull in my bacon enthusiasm after Bacon Day ‘09, Thanksgiving really helped re-kindle my love. I mean, you just can’t have green beans without bacon. And one thing leads to another…

Our friends and sponsors over at baconfreak.com have provided us with a list of their top 10 bacon related products this year. And what do you know…they’re all available for your gift giving pleasure!

# 10 - Boss Hog’s Bacon Chocolate Sueyts

Bacon and chocolate; it’s one of the few salty/sweet flavor combinations I actually enjoy. And they were wise enough to use dark chocolate instead of milk. As I discovered with our Bacon Day chocolate fountain, bacon is the best thing to happen to chocolate since peanut butter. Oooh, bacon peanut butter cup. Someone should totally steal that idea.

# 9 - Bacon Freak Maple Bacon Pancake Mix

Whether you stick this in someone’s stocking or have some ready for Christmas morning, these pancakes are a great idea. With chunks of bacon and maple mixed right into the batter, it’s an entire breakfast ready to go. Finally a pancake mix that is bold enough to say eat me!

# 8 - Bacon Pillow

Direct from Bacon Today comes a unique, hand-made, limited production item that is a must-have for the bacon lover in your life. Bacon throw pillows! Measuring approximately 13″ x 23″, this soft slice of bacon is made of fuzzy red & white fleece. The outer cover even has a zipper so you can slip the inner pillow out and clean the bacon’s shell.

# 7 - Swine and Wine Gift Box

This gift set includes everything you need to throw a Swine and Wine Party! You can take your pick from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay paired with a selection of Boss Hog Hickory Smoked Bacon. And just in time for your next big holiday party, they’ll throw in a one pound chunk of their Smoked Mozzarella Cheese. Oh yeah, your order includes a t-shirt that says, “Swine and Wine - Two of my favorite things” - that should help start your party off right. Oh, and based on our results from Bacon Day ‘08, I’d recommend the Cab.

# 6 - Boss Hog’s Bacon Cheese Straws

Now I’ve never been to the South, but I hear cheese straws are a true southern treat. These crunchy guys are sprinkled with Boss Hog’s Bacon Seasoning, so they have the added benefit of tasting like…you guessed it, bacon.

# 5 - Bacon is Meat Candy T-shirts, Hoodies and apparel

BaconFreak has more than a dozen bacon related t-shirts boasting their trademarked label - Bacon is Meat Candy!

# 4 - Bacon Gift Wrap

Don’t forget to wrap your gift in the wrapping paper that is perfect for the pork lover in your life.

# 3 - Boss Hog Sampler Deluxe Gift Basket

This Gift Box is for the loved one who loves bacon. You get two pounds of Bacon Freak Bacon, one bag of Boss Hog’s Maple Bacon Pancakes, and of course Boss Hog’s Bacon Seasoning to make everything taste like bacon! Shipping is included in the price.

# 2 - Bacon Freak Bacon Jerky

Love bacon, but can’t always be at home, slaving away at the stove? Then Bacon Jerky is your ultimate snack! This is for the bacon lover on the go. *Pets love them, too!

*Brutus tested, Brutus approved

# 1 - Bacon Freak Bacon

When plain old bacon just won’t do. Bacon Freak is serious about creating amazing flavor combinations. Our readers really enjoyed the sun-dried tomato and jalapeno flavors, but there are another 20 flavors to choose from, including chipotle, cajun, hickory, honey bbq and more.

And don’t forget, the RBS Bacon Store has a mind-boggling number of other products to choose from. From stocking stuffers to gifts that give all year long…don’t delay! Your holiday shopping days are numbered.

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