It just feels like a big hug.

I adore comfort foods. Honestly, who doesn't? The term "comfort food" gives us the opportunity to indulge using the excuse that food will make things all better. It's like a band-aid and kiss on a boo-boo. Bad day? What bad day? All gone!

I needed some comfort the other day, and while the calorie police were probably ready to knock on my door, I knew that nothing would satisfy that need like breakfast at dinner. I resisted the temptation of cheesy grits and hash browns - Lord, help me - but bacon, yes, the bacon is always included. The result? Runny egg, bacon and cheese sandwiches.

I toasted two honey wheat rolls from Yia Yia's Bakery http://www.yiayiasbakery.com/ and added thick-sliced pepper bacon, provolone cheese and eggs fried in...bacon grease. Oh, snap!

Enjoy, bacon lovers, enjoy.

Merry Christmas, Jen!

Santa displays in department stores? Black Friday sales rumors already posting on the internet? *Looks at calendar* Yup, it's just October 9th and the spirit of Christmas (money, money, money) is already grabbing the attention of shoppers. I'm game, so let's run down a list of my top picks for the holiday season, shall we? Join me in line at the mall as I wait to give my list to Santa.

*Hops on Santa's lap*

Pleezee Mr. Kringle...

How about some lovely bacon merchandise? http://www.mcphee.com/shop/categories/Awesome-Stuff/Bacon-%26-Meat/?page=1&sort=featured

Bacon soap, bandages, air freshener and lip balm?! You mean that I can always be in the presence of such an intoxicating scent and have stray dogs follow me all day? Oh, joy of joys!

Another goodie is the bacon of the month club. No, not the one that made Clark Griswold explode at the end of "Christmas Vacation." That was the jelly of the month club -- get your facts straight. http://gratefulpalate.com/?p=Category_11

Artisan bacon every month! Think of the possibilities! And look at all the cool swag that comes with the membership!

- A membership card
- A t-shirt
- Pig nose!
- A toy pig
- A ballpoint pen

*Squeal*

I deserve ALL of this, Mr. Kringle. I have been a good girl and an excellent ambassador of all things swine...except H1N1. Upon your arrival in two months, you will find caramelized bacon instead of cookies.

Yours,

Jennifer

Bacon heaven.

I think I have found my new signature dessert - a dessert that encompasses all that is good in the world: heavy cream, nutella, peanut butter and caramelized bacon. Do you hear the choir of angels? I do.

Many thanks to Gourmet for this wonderful recipe, which many reviewers classified as revolting. I must say, the bacon in the picture from Gourmet magazine looks a little too...raw. I'm sure it is candied, but the dark, crispy, glass-like texture with the bacon I cooked looked amazing compared to their photo. Within seconds of caramelization, I transferred the bacon to a plate where it cooled instantly and could easily be broken into small pieces. I decided to add small pieces to the top of the pie, instead of mixing it in with the filling, so it has the consistency and look of candied almonds.

I did not have chocolate wafers, so I bought a ready-made chocolate graham crust from the store. Here are the other substitutions:

- I divided the recipe in half to accommodate the dimensions of the pie shell.
- Replaced the smooth peanut butter and added peanuts with chunky peanut butter. (Why would you add peanuts to smooth peanut butter? Just use chunky peanut butter)
- I only used 2 slices of bacon.
- Added 2 tablespoons of nutella to the peanut butter mixture.

I love the combo of the sweet cream, nutella, salty peanut butter and the smoky flavor of bacon. Honesty, 7 slices would be a little too much, even for the large portion. Adding small bites of the bacon on the top is the way to go.

If the idea of sweet bacon is "revolting" to you, consider this a great frozen peanut butter pie recipe.

Peanut butter pie with candied bacon!?!?

Good grief. Ladies and gentlemen, I may have to stop by the grocery store to pick up a few items to create this pie. http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2009/09/frozen-peanut-butter-pie-with-candied-bacon

I will also have to leave my car at work and walk the 30 minute drive home to burn the calories. Too bad I wore heels today.

Let's hope that I will have a report for you this evening, if not this week.