How I used my Bacon and Pancetta

I couldn't wait to try the bacon and pancetta that we just cured even though the pancetta hasn't dried for the required amount of time. That's ok it was still darn good !

Pig Candy Ice Cream

The first recipe I tried I found on David Lebovitz blog. I followed the recipe as is and even included the cinnamon since I'm a fan. The original recipe is called Candied Bacon Ice Cream but in the BBQ community we call candied bacon 'Pig Candy' , there are several recipes out on the net, Google is your friend.

The basic steps are Candy the bacon, make a custard, and throw it in your ice cream maker. Here are some pictures of our effort...



Later this week I will be making an apple crisp to pair with the ice cream.

Sweet Potato Hash with Pancetta

This Recipe came about today because this is what I had in the house and I couldn't wait to try the pancetta.

Ingredients: 1 Large Sweet Potato peeled and cut into 1/4 inch squares
1 Small Onion finely diced
dried basil (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 inch slice of pancetta
Salt and pepper to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper

Place the sweet potato pieces in a bowl and season with olive oil, basil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until fork tender. Flip the pieces after 15 minutes

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In a non stick skillet brown the pancetta. When fully cooked drain the pancetta reserving the fat in the pan. Set the pancetta aside and when it cools finely chop it.

Add the onions to the pan and cook until they just start to brown. Add the chopped pancetta and the sweet potatoes to the pan. Salt and pepper to taste. I think hash is good with a lot of freshly ground black pepper.

When the sweet potatoes are nice and brown serve as a side dish with eggs or if you can't wait like me just dig in.