Bacon in the Oven

I am still learning how to use my kitchen appliances. Perhaps it will be a life-long lesson that I learn. I had just perfected making crispy bacon in the microwave, and then it died. Are you seeing a trend here in my appliances? It's starting to upset me. I still wanted to be able to provide bacon on the mornings, but I am the worst ever at skillet bacon. I lack that gene...I swear. So I researched my next best option - bacon in the oven. 

Place bacon in single layer on aluminum foil in a regular temperature oven. I do repeat - do not preheat the oven. Or it will not work. And the bacon police will come after you. They don't take kindly to rebels around these here parts. 

Close the oven door and set the oven to bake at 400 degrees. And for goodness sake, do not open the oven. Again...rebels are not welcome here. 

And set the timer for 20 minutes. If you do not have a fancy stove with a timer, use your cell phone, egg timer, or the large not-working-microwave-shaped timer since that's the only thing it's good for. Sorry...I'm still bitter. 

Next, find something else to do. Fold some laundry, organize your DVD collection, or read a book on your Kindle/Nook/eReader of your choosing. You can see what I opted for as a distraction for the little one demanding his crispy bacon...actually, he said kiss-pee bay-con, pwease Mummy. Sorry buddy, Mommy just can't win these days. 

And there you have it...bacon in the oven. Now get out there and enjoy your little one while he stuffs his face. Maybe look through the circulars for microwaves that are on sale. 

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Pizza

Pizza. Enough said and thank goodness. Being at work late yesterday, Steeler game last night, and back at work early today, the idea of a thought-filled post is just not a possibility right now. Maybe if I had about 3 cups of coffee, but unfortunately, I just rolled out of bed. I'm sorry - I have nothing except for this wonderful recipe. 


If you're looking for a wonderful pizza crust recipe, look no further than here. And if you've never worked with yeast and it makes you shake in your holiday themed socks, I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Ingredients

1 package (14 oz. size) Italian pizza crust

1/2 cup Alfredo sauce

1 package (6 oz. size) Cooked and diced chicken breast meat

1 package (2.1 oz. size) Pre-cooked bacon, halved, heated as directed on package

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella & Cheddar Pizza Cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan Garlic Herb Cheese

Directions

Spread pizza crust with Alfredo sauce to within 1 inch of edge of crust. Top with remaining ingredients. Place on cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Source: CDKitchen

Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks

If my husband were able to marry a food, it would without a doubt be anything Italian. He loves Italian food. Spaghetti, lasagna, you name it...he'll devour it. When it comes to our preference in foods, my husband and I are complete opposites. I really don't like Italian food. I blame it on years of pre-packaged (nasty tasting) Italian "meals". Being the good wife and mother that I am, I plan one night each week that has an Italian dish. I will actually eat a little bit of whatever I make, but usually end up taking the sauce and soaking it up with breadsticks. Enter these delicious little things. I saw these on Food Network, and I love (be sure to say it with a southern accent) Pah-la Deen so I knew that these breadsticks have to be fantastic. I actually have cousins that live in the vicinity of the Paula Deen house and restaurant. I always threaten that I am going to come down and we are going to dinner there, but it never ends up happening.

These breadsticks are fluffy and delicious. The combination of the salty bacon and the garlic salted cheese is wonderful. Be sure to try these with any soup, salad, pasta, or even by themselves. You won't be disappointed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt or powder
• 12 slices bacon
• 24 (4 1/2-inch) long sesame breadsticks (1 package)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan with garlic salt and set aside. Cut the bacon slices in half so they are approximately 5-inches long. Wrap each bread stick with 1 slice of bacon, starting at 1 end and ending at the other. Place wrapped bread sticks on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15 minutes or until bacon is browned. Remove from oven and immediately roll bread sticks in cheese mixture. Let cool and serve at room temperature.

Source: Paula Deen, Food Network