Bacon Jam Is My Jam!

August 20, 2020 enbrookshireLeave a comment

Is there anything better than jam…oh yeah…BACON JAM! This is a super easy and yummy recipe to whip up. I like to use this jam on burgers, BLT’s, toast, a spoon (😉), pizza and it’s even a nice sweet and tangy addition to a charcuterie board. To keep this short and sweet, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

BACON JAM

Ingredients:

1 pack bacon, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces (I like thick center cut bacon)
1 medium yellow onion, petite chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg’s with the mother)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp cayenne (we like ours with a kick…you could add more or less based on your taste preference)
2 tsp salt
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

Add bacon to a cold skillet, cook until just crispy. Use a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain grease. Reserve 1 Tbsp bacon grease and drain rest from pan.
Using 1 Tbsp reserved bacon grease, cook onions and garlic on medium-low heat for 70 minutes or until golden brown.
Add apple cider vinegar and allow to reduce by half.
Add remaining ingredients and bacon to the skillet. Cook until desired jam consistency has been reached.
Allow to cool in a glass bowl or jar and skim any fat that rises to the top.
Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 4 weeks (if it lasts that long) in the refrigerator.
Enjoy!

The Ultimate Hors d’oeuvre – Tomato Canapés

June 21, 2020August 16, 2020 enbrookshireLeave a comment

You guys!!! This is my family’s favorite Saturday, Sunday….(who am I kidding) anytime Hors d’oeuvres! These are AMAZING and I have been making them for years! They are simple, cheap, but very delicious…always a crowd pleaser. These are the type of snacks that I make for the people that I love the most. A lot of care and a lot love go into making these delicious Hors d’oeuvres.

When I first discovered this recipe I was laid up on the couch (after having my 5th knee surgery) watching a DVD (yes, a DVD) of Paula Deen in her first Food Network show. Her recipe was so yummy and simple that I knew that even though I was a novice home cook that I could make these tasty bites! Through the years, I have adapted and infused my own flavors to create my own tasty canapés. From juicy sangria tomatoes, creamy/cheesy mayo to crispy bacon…this recipe has it all!

This recipe is packed full of flavor and every bite should be savored. I like to experiment with this recipe meaning that it’s ever evolving. I like to try new spices and new techniques with each time I make this recipe. The version I am sharing with you today is MY FAVORITE! Now, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!

TOMATO CANAPÉS

Ingredients:

1/2 container of sangria tomatoes, pulped and diced
Salt, a dash
Pepper, a dash
1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 strips of bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 1/3 tsp pesto
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 1/2 tsp balsamic glaze https://erinnskitchen.food.blog/2020/06/21/balsamic-glaze/
1 package phyllo canapé shells

Directions:

Pulp tomatoes and dice; mix with a dash of salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Let sit for an hour to marinate.
Cook bacon, drain and crumble; set aside on a towel to drain.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove phyllo shells from packaging and set on an increased pan.
In a mall bowl mix together mayonnaise, pesto, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Fill each phyllo shell with drained tomato’s.
Top each shell with mayonnaise mixture (like a cupcake); add bacon on top.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Once canapés are out of oven allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then move to cooling rack.
Once cooked for 10 minutes on cooling rack; top with balsamic glaze.
Enjoy!

Appetizers · Recipes

Balsamic Glaze

June 21, 2020August 16, 2020 enbrookshire2 Comments

I thought since today is Father’s Day and I will surely busy in the kitchen making all of my husband’s favorite foods… that I would share a super simple recipe for a delicious kitchen staple; Balsamic Glaze. Balsamic Glaze is one of my favorite staples in the kitchen partly because it’s so delicious! I use it on pizza, caprese salad, grilled peaches with chicken and lots of Italian dishes. This recipe is so simple and it only takes about 15 minutes to make!

All you need is a small sauce pan, good quality balsamic vinegar and honey. I know folks who make their balsamic glaze with brown sugar or maple syrup, but I like honey the best. This glaze is aromatic, versatile and fresh. It adds a strong and sweet flavor to draw out the most intense flavors of any dish it’s accenting.

The key to great glaze is to reduce the glaze down by half. Reducing any sauce or glaze is super easy…you just let the sauce simmer until you get the results you want. It’s important to let the sauce lead you and once you’ve made a glaze once you will see just how easy and fast it is. A test I use to make sure my sauce has reduced enough is to Take it off the heat and drag a spatula through the sauce…if the sauce doesn’t immediately run together then it’s ready (pictured above)! Another plus to this glaze is that a little goes a long way and if kept in a good container; it will keep on your countertop for up to a week. Now, I hope you enjoy this glaze as much as we do!

BALSAMIC GLAZE

Ingredients:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp honey

Directions:

Add vinegar and honey to a small sauce pan and heat on medium heat.
Once mixture begins to simmer; reduce heat to medium/low and allow to reduce for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce liquid by half and do the drag through test to test for thickness.
Take off heat and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
Enjoy on your favorite foods!