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Grillfackelin

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Grill up some Canadian Grillfackelin this summer and wow your guests with what will become your new favourite grilled treat!

Grillfackelin
Grillfackelin – regular size

Grillfackelin is essentially thinly sliced pork belly or bacon tightly wrapped around a skewer and seasoned. The Germans also called them barbecue torches.

Our forary into the world of bacon on a stick started with our German student. It was one of those everyday conversations where we discussed our differences in food culture. Conversations we look forward to with every International student we host.

Grillfackelin
Grillfackelin short skewers

Fast forward five years and we came across Grillfackelin in a local newly opened store. Inspiration comes fast and furious sometimes so I immediately bought a pork belly and set to work making Canadian Grillfackelin.

This recipe has been repeatedly made with full support from my husband. Can you really ever get enough bacon? Here is what we have learned.

We’ve used pork belly, with the fat cap removed. It’s unseasoned making it the perfect vessel for whatever seasonings you like. We’ve used unseasoned or lightly seasoned bacon already thinly sliced.

Our skewers have been soaked and not soaked with the end result is the skewers do not need to be soaked in water. Beer maybe but then…. wasting beer. We’ve roasted the barbecue torches (see what I did there) in the oven, and grilled them on the barbecue.

Grillfackelin
Grillfackelin stick in a burger

Seasoning ideas include maple syrup and sambel oelek mixed together, maple syrup and black pepper, simple Za’atar spices, home made barbecue spices, honey and spicy salt on the unseasoned pork belly. In the end we enjoy a spicy + sweet combination or maple syrup with something spicy added.

In the oven I roasted the Grillfackelin at 400 F for 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes.

On the barbecue we grilled them for 10-15 minutes on medium high heat, watching and turning them constantly to avoid flair ups and burnt ends.

Grillfackelin on the barbecue
Grillfackelin on the barbecue

Takes a few times to get the bacon wrapped evenly around the skewers but soon enough you will be a pro!

PRO TIPS

  • If you do not eat pork, use beef bacon
  • Freezing the pork belly for 1- 2 hours after you remove the fat cap makes it easier to slice
  • Buy the pork belly and ask the butcher to slice it thin for you
  • Letting them marinate for at least 30 minutes imparts more flavour, but then again who has time to wait because bacon on a stick
  • Buying a marinade saves time but all you really need is a few spices. And some maple syrup
  • Since they are small, season lightly. A little goes a long way
  • They don’t have to be perfect, they just have to be cooked
  • For regular size skewers use 1 slice of bacon, for small skewers, cut the bacon in half and fold it lengthwise

38 Best Game Day Recipes

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Game Day, also known as the NFL football playoffs, Superbowl or Grey Cup here in Canada actually comes twice a year for those to who love to watch football. In February we have Superbowl (NFL) and October we celebrate Grey Cup (CFL).

If you are a sports fan you will know celebrations can be more than football. We celebrate hockey with rink parties, basketball, soccer, baseball, and of course any chance we get to tailgate we will. Besides looking forward to the game itself, we get excited to socialize with friends, family, and share it all over some great eats! Today we have assembled 38 Best Game Day Recipes just in time for your next party.

In this collection of recipes there are a few healthy options, some vegetarian and all of them simply delicious! Please pin any photos from the recipes website and not directly from here.

38 Best Game Day Recipes

Jalapeno Tex Mex DipJalapeno Tex Mex Dip from me

Super Easy Flat Bread PizzaSuper Easy Flat Bread Pizza by Herbivore Cucina

Classic Bits and Bites Classic Bits and Bites by me

Chili Stuffed PeppersChili Stuffed Peppers by Mama Needs Cake

Honey Mustard Soy Sauce Chicken WingsHoney Mustard Soy Sauce Chicken Wings by The Missing Lokness

Gluten-Free Chips and Guacamole BitesGluten-Free Chip and Guacamole Bites from My Gluten-Free Kitchen

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip with Real ChickenSlow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip with Real Chicken by Dip Recipe Creations

Nachos Deluxe Nachos Deluxe from Ann’s Entitled Life

Slowcooker Teriyaki WingsSlow Cooker Teriyaki Wings by me

Black Bean Corn Salsa Black Bean Corn Salsa from Finding Zest

Oven Baked Chicken TaquitosOven-Baked Black Bean Chicken Taquitos by Nourish and Fete

Asian Inspired Instant Pot RibsAsian-Inspired Instant Pot Ribs by White Coat Pink Apron

Bacon Cream Cheese Dip Bacon Cream Cheese Dip by Recipes From A Pantry

Queso Fundido Skillet Nachos Queso Fundido Skillet Nachos by Culinary Ginger

Gluten-Free Bacon and Sausage Stuffed MushroomsGluten-Free Bacon and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms by The Gluten Free Homestead

3 Ingredient BBQ Turkey Meatballs 3 Ingredient BBQ Turkey Meatballs by Chicago Jogger

Baked Potato Nachos Baked Potato Nachos by A Savory Feast

Easy Pepperoni Cheese Pizza RollsEasy Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Rolls from Yay! For Food

Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon by House of Nash Eats

Jalapeño Cheddar Mini Muffin Appetizers Jalapeño Cheddar Mini Muffin Appetizers by Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Egg Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs by Sizzling Mess

Slow Cooker Chorizo Queso DipSlow Cooker Chorizo Queso Dip from Windy City Dinner Fairy

Pepperoni Pizza Dip Pepperoni Pizza Dip by Salt & Baker

Alabama Firecrackers  Alabama Firecrackers from The Honour System

Copy Cat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp by 4 Sons ‘R’ Us

Peanut Butter Energy BallsPeanut Butter Energy Balls By The Conscious Dietician

Chorizo Cheese Dip with SpinachChorizo Cheese Dip with Spinach by Sunday Supper

Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn

Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn by Only Taste Matters

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts from Simply Stacie

Spicy Tortilla RollupsSpicy Tortilla Rollups from Vegan in the Freezer

Wonton Taco Cups Wonton Taco Cups by Like Mother Like Daughter

Spicy Thai Chili Roasted Cashews Spicy Thai Chili Roasted Cashews from Paleoish Krista

Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus by Bites of Wellness

Honey Sriracha Turkey MeatballsHoney Sriracha Turkey Meatballs by A Saucy Kitchen

Greek Feta Fondue DipGreek Feta Fondue Dip by Simple Sassy Scrumptious

Loaded Beef NachosLoaded Beef Nachos by Mama Needs Cake

BBQ Loaded Chicken Taco Fries BBQ Loaded Chicken Taco Fries by Orchids & Sweet Tea

Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Dough Balls Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Dough Balls by The Cook Report

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

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I recently met with the owner of a local grilled cheese restaurant who approximately one year ago closed her former location with intentions on opening in a new hood. It took some time, but finally the opportunity came in the perfect cozy little package. Almost ready to open, she still had to write the menu on the board, get her liquor license and complete a few other tasks, but without a doubt, she was ready to rock in roll.

Around the same time I stopped in to check out the new digs, I came across a photo of a jalapeno grilled cheese I had made once upon a time. There are many of those once upon a time photos that never got matched up with a recipe. Suddenly I wanted grilled cheese. And jalapenos. So it happened and here it is in all it’s glory. Important to note I use mayonnaise to “butter” my bread. It works just as good as butter and is cheaper.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

 

Dublin Coddle

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A Dublin Coddle is a one pot dish originating in Dublin, Ireland. Typically leftover pork sausage, ham, bacon, potatoes and onion are tossed into a heavy pot, topped with stock, covered and baked for a couple hours to blend the flavours and cook the potatoes.

Dublin Coddle
An Irish Stew – Dublin Coddle

While channel surfing one night, You Gotta Eat Here, the Canadian version of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, caught my eye. The crew and host were filming in Dublin, Ireland and featuring a Chef making a Dublin Coddle. I was very Intrigued, it looked so good. The Chef used ham hock, a couple different pork sausages and bacon. He said pork was the main ingredient and his Dublin Coddle had four variations of pork products.

A Dublin Coddle dates back to the 1700s and is traditionally a dish eaten during the colder months using up leftovers in the fridge. The name ‘coddle’ is most likely derived from caudle, which comes from the French term meaning to boil gently, parboil or stew. Or so the research indicates.

Dublin Coddle
Dublin Coddle

This stew reminds me of another stew I use to make on the stove consisting of smoked sausage, potatoes and carrots. A very simple dish yet the potatoes cooking down in both provide a creaminess to the stew without adding any dairy products. I also use a dark ale, stout or porter in this coddle.

PRO TIPS:

  • Dark beer adds depth and flavour to slow cooked dishes. A light beer will not offer the same flavour.
  • Have crusty bread or Irish Soda Bread on hand to mop up the broth.
  • Great dish to make while camping. Prepare what you can in advance, keep cool until ready to cook in a heavy bottom pot with a lid.
Dublin Coddle
Dublin Coddle

Try this stew on St. Patrick’s Day – our kids loved it! Serve with Irish Soda Bread and beer!

 

Beef Stew with Bacon

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Beef Stew with Bacon
Beef Stew with Bacon

A long time ago my mom used to cook the shit out of pork and beef roasts. Truth be known I was in a recent session with Vikram Vij and he also advised his mom would cook the shit out of things to, so I blame him for my potty mouth. The only way I could choke down her roasts was to smother them in HP Sauce – more truths. This continued mistreatment of roasts while I was a child led me to have trust relationships with roast beef. I do enjoy beef, like I really really enjoy steak, satay, stir-fry. We also enjoy roasts on a regular basis as a family, however I still am not a huge fan of roast beef. But I will eat it.

Beef Stew with Bacon
Beef Stew with Bacon

This leads us to stew, another cut I have a strange relationship with. Possibly for the same reasons – it was made regularly and slightly over cooked. My family enjoys stew so it’s made flavourful and moist in this house. Mostly.

Beef Stew with Bacon
Beef Stew with Bacon

In my quest to love stew, I added some sauteed mushrooms, chopped chives and broken chunks of double cream brie. And a few hot pepper flakes. Go big or go home right? Guess what? I LOVED it! We get a flavour punch from adding leftover frozen beef broth from our last Teriyaki Beef Fondue. What you’ve never had a beef broth fondue? You really should. Regular beef broth is also dandy in a handy. Finally some leftover parsnips resembling potatoes went into the stew and nobody was the wiser (winning).

Beef Stew with Bacon
Beef Stew with Bacon

I finished the stew with a few sprinkles of hot pepper flakes cause I like the heat!

Tomato Soup with Sausage

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Lately I’ve been craving soup. Specially french onion soup but I haven’t had the booze I needed to make the broth sing. Recently I took some out of town clients to Charbar for lunch, a fairly new Argentinian style restaurant I’ve admittedly been to several times. I ordered the lunch special (and they did to) of half a salad and the daily soup. I encouraged them to have the fugazza (pizza) with their soup. The soup was an Argentinian inspired tomato & sausage soup. Wow was it ever good. In fact all four of us at the table completely enjoyed the soup. I decided to try and make my own version of this soup at home.

Have you heard of Spolumbo’s sausage? They are local sausage maker and the sausage is preservative and chemical free. I use it in pasta sauces, soups and we especially love it grilled on the BBQ. You can use whatever uncooked sausage you love in this soup. I also added a small piece of leftover parmesan rind as I’ve seen chefs do this to add flavour and depth. It did something because the soup was the best tomato soup I’ve ever had.

It’s a simple soup that screams flavour.

 

 

Bacon Wrapped Turducken

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Thanksgiving has different meanings for different folks. Many celebrate and express gratitude through their religion, while others look forward to the tradition of spending time with loved ones, friends, community, and enjoying the harvest. There is typically always food involved, and it’s tradition to cook a turkey. Did you know Thanksgiving day is celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States? Last year our International German student was quite amazed to learn about a holiday she knew nothing about, and even more surprised at the feast we had prepared to celebrate this day. Thanksgiving definitely blew her away, so imagine how she felt when she learned and participated in her first ever Halloween.

In my youth we spent holidays with friends as family lived too far away, and winter time travel across Provinces from that small northern town was not exactly something you wanted to do willingly. Today we live in a City where we also have next to no family around, so we make our own traditions, and have recently started spending Thanksgiving with friends, alternating houses every year.

turd v1

This year, Echelon Foods asked if we would be interested in sampling one of their Bacon Wrapped Turduckens. Having had an Echelon Turducken roughly 4-5 years ago, I knew we were in for a treat. Well who am I kidding, they had me at bacon. One great experience can only be made better with bacon, right? At this point my European followers might be wondering what a turducken is. Simply put it’s a deboned chicken stuffed in a duck stuffed in a turkey, and in this case, wrapped in bacon with an Italian sausage stuffing inside. Some even call it a Three Bird Roast. Luxurious, yet simple, solid but unique. The question begs to be asked – how does a turducken becomes a turducken?

the meal

Since it wasn’t our turn to host Thanksgiving dinner this year, I left the turducken in the very capable hands of my girlfriend Jody who is also a delicious cook. Our biggest hurdle and decision which should have involved wine was…do we cook low & slow, or do we rev it up a little and getter done. We choose the quicker method, and Jody cooked up that turducken like a pro. You can tell by the photos it came out beautifully. 12 of us sat down to enjoy the feast, the friendship, our health, the food & wine and our bacon wrapped turducken.

Important to note this turducken is available locally throughout the year. It’s a beautiful addition to a meal and something you might just get hooked on.

Echelon Foods provided me with a turducken to try and review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Bacon Turkey Chili

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When my husband and I first met we were all sports all the time. Then kids came along and sports went by the way side. Kids are only little once and we choose to do family activities vs spending tons of time in front of the TV. Doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy game day food however!!

Super bowl was coming, we all love bacon, and chili (well the boy picks the beans out), so while shopping for groceries I decided on a bacon turkey chili for game day supper. And to add another level of flavour, I was going to add in some of the chipotle in adobo sauce I had resting in the fridge. Even though we didn’t get to watch the game, we enjoyed our game day chili.

My husband loves deviled eggs and admittedly I do to. But it’s a once a year kind of ordeal. We hadn’t had them in so long I again decided on a whim to make deviled eggs. After all it was super bowl Sunday. In addition I sliced up some sweet potato into thin slices and sauteed in the pan for some extra goodness.

It’s really popular to “put an egg on it” these days, so I put a deviled egg on the chili. I had an aha moment. One of my new favourite things and next time it will either be a fried or poached egg that goes on top.

 

Bacon Turkey Chili
Bacon Turkey Chili

 

10 Game Day Snack Ideas

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I love Game Day food. Bits, bites and everything in between. A day to be naughty and allow yourself a cheat day, if of course you are following a healthier eating regime. I scour the internet when game day approaches looking for new ideas or inspiration for some tasty bites. This year I decided, albeit kind of late, instead of sharing all my own game day posts individually, I would do a post with some of my favourite game day bites. So I picked my top ten favourites and assembled them into this 10 Game Day [Super Bowl or Grey  Cup] Snack Ideas.

Most of these are simple to make. You got this.

Buffalo Chicken & Bacon Dip

If you love the flavour of buffalo chicken, you will love this simple dip made with added love from Bacon.

Buffalo & Chicken Bacon Dip
Buffalo & Chicken Bacon Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mini Chili Cheese Balls

It’s easy to get carried away eating these as they are small and delicious. Hint: make extra.

Mini Chili Cheese Balls
Mini Chili Cheese Balls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baked Potato Skins with Pancetta

Ever go to a restaurant, order something and think I can make it better at home. That’s where these came in. I did make them better at home. And ate them ALL.

Baked Potato Skins with Pancetta
Baked Potato Skins with Pancetta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honeyed Chili Chicken Wings

Wings & sports. They just go together. These wings are baked not fried and encompass a sweet & spicy bite.

Honeyed Chili Chicken Wings
Honeyed Chili Chicken Wings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curried Up Spinach Dip

My weakness (well there are many) is a good spinach dip. I love curry so the two together seemed like the perfect marriage (I was right).

Curried Spinach Dip
Curried Spinach Dip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bakers Beef Chili

What’s a big game without a big ole bowl of steaming Chili. Made in the slowcooker to make life easier. This one is packed full of flavour & I love the addition of the crunchy bits on top (optional).

Bakers Beef Chili
Bakers Beef Chili

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pizza Burgers

Again when I think game day I think burgers & beer. These Pizza Burgers get a little extra love (pepperoni) and are requested all the time. Winner.

Pizza Burgers
Pizza Burgers

 

Blue Cheese Pecans Stuffed Mushrooms

Whoa do I loves me blue cheese. Pair it with pecans and stuff into mushrooms to bake until melty & delicious kinda melts my heart.

Blue Cheese Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms
Blue Cheese Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candied Bacon & Brown Sugar Baked Brie

Who doesn’t love a baked brie. How about one with candied bacon? Find the candied bacon recipe here: Candied Bacon

Candied Bacon & Brown Sugar Baked Brie
Candied Bacon & Brown Sugar Baked Brie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bites

Bacon & cheese seem to be a reoccurring theme in this post. So why not end it with these delicious bites. I jack up the cream cheese with a little something and add a new level of flavour. Yum. O.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bites
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bites

Badlands Pickle Burger

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Like it or not, Fall is around the corner. It’s the perfect time for pickling or canning extra vegetables from the garden. In fact I am wanting to make another batch of these tasty Quick Pickle Cucumbers since there are so many of the smaller cucumbers in the stores and markets. Everyone in our family loves these little bites.

Our Bakers Burger Blast Burger Recipes have been far and few between this year. I’ve created a couple of burgers but haven’t tested them to the point of perfection (in my books). When I came up with this burger recipe I tried a few different kinds of cheese, with the sausage, without the sausage until eventually these flavours really worked well together. Biggest challenge was trying NOT to eat all the pickles before the burgers were done!!

Here in Alberta we have what’s known as the “Wild West” Badlands. They are a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been eroded by wind and water leaving behind beautiful statues and scenery. We love to visit the Badlands and this is how the name came to be.

The perfect burger for the pickle lover!

 

Grilled Rustic Bacon Wrapped Chicken

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My 3rd and final entry into the Great Cream Challenge 2014 was this really tasty Grilled Rustic Bacon Wrapped Chicken. For those that don’t know, this cross Canada recipe challenge pairs 3 Canadian Food Bloggers against each other in a special monthly cooking challenge. At the beginning of the year you pick three challenges (one per month) to participate in using real cream, and then start recipe testing until you find a winner.

One of the themes I picked was Grilling, perhaps cause the rest looked easy?! (honestly no idea why I choose grilling lol) When it came time to create and submit the recipe, I panicked for a few minutes thinking about how to use real cream on the grill. But once I settled down, I was able to brain storm and realize there are many options when it comes to grilling with cream.

And so enters a stuffed chicken breast (with cream cheese, cream and other goodies), wrapped in bacon, slapped on the grill and finished with a sage cream sauce. It was very good and of course you can use anything you like to stuff the chicken breast. I used what I could find in my fridge/pantry.

Grilled Rustic Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Grilled Rustic Bacon Wrapped Chicken

I enjoyed being part of the challenge, and got to know several of the food bloggers better through this friendly competition. Here is how I made the Grilled Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken.

 

 

Grilled Cheese Wafflewich

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You won’t believe how easy these Grilled Cheese Wafflewich’s are to make. We experiment a lot with our pie irons when we go camping and are assembling quite a collection of these fantastic camping cooking tools. One of my favourite things right now to make with them is pie using canned pie filling and some dough I bring along and mix up on the spot. Treats on the fire.

More favourites include making pizzas in the pie irons and of course grilled cheese sandwiches. I love to grab leftover hamburger buns, or any kind of bread I can squish in and make a grilled cheese adding anything I can find. Breakfast sammy’s this way are equally fantastic using ham or bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, veggies and the beat goes on.

We haven’t been camping yet this year but have four trips planned for the summer. I can’t wait. Until then the urge hit this weekend for one of the pie iron grilled cheese sammy’s so I pulled out the waffle maker. Plus I had some burger buns to use up. And some bacon.

The husband and the boy loved it. The girl was gone for the night so didn’t get to partake.

Make any variation you like, using regular bread or buns that are squishable. You will not be able to press a bun that is too firm (ie: pretzel bun) in either the pie iron or waffle maker.

 

Roasted Garlic & Sausage Casserole

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This year I was asked to be part of The Great Cream Challenge 2014. This cross Canada recipe challenge pairs 3 Canadian Food Bloggers against each other in a special monthly cooking challenge. At the beginning of the year you pick three challenges (one per month) to participate in using real cream, and then let the recipe testing madness begin.

My first challenge was in January and called The Slow Cooker Challenge. I made a Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding and came in 2nd out of 3 bloggers. It was a ton of fun.

My second challenge quickly followed and this Roasted Garlic & Sausage Casserole, was my recipe submission for April’s The Family Brunch Challenge. A little more labour intensive with a few extra steps, but it is well worth it and perfect for a special Mother’s Day or Father’s Day Brunch at home. This time I placed…..2nd out of 3 bloggers! Foiled again ha ha but at least I lost to another Alberta Food Blogger. My 3rd and final challenge is coming up in June, so who knows, maybe third times a charm? I’ve had a great time either way and loved the friendly competition with my fellow food bloggers.

To save time you can cook up your sausage, potatoes, roast your garlic, and toast your bread cubes the night before. Assemble all the next morning and Bob’s Your Uncle. Or Fred.

Either way family breakfast casseroles started with my mom and this family breakfast casserole is a fun tradition I have continued with my own children. This version has some roasted garlic, fresh tomatillos, and is topped it with cooked bacon and fresh eggs.

It’s definitely luxurious, but then everything in moderation, right?

 

Bacon Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I’m thrilled to share with you these cookies took 3rd place in a Canada Wide contest sponsored by the Food Bloggers of Canada and Eat In Eat Out digital magazine! The contest was the Christmas in July Cookie Contest 2012.

A couple years ago I started buying hubs Vosges Bacon Candy Chocolate Bars for his stocking at Christmas. He is hard to buy for and I was getting desperate when I heard about these chocolate bars. Well elated does not even describe how we felt after tasting bacon & chocolate together. This is a match made in heaven.

And so calling all Bacon Lovers and Chocolate Lovers. I’ve been inspired by Vosges and wanted to create a chocolate chip cookie with bacon. I decided to take it a step further and add peanut butter to my bacon, chocolate chip cookie creation…booya!

What I came up with was a lovely tasting cookie that is not too sweet. Of all the flavour profiles in this cookie none are over powering…..instead you get a little bit of everything in each bite. Bacon lovers stand united and chocolate reigns supreme in the delightful bacon infused chocolate chip cookie.

Baked Potato Skins with Pancetta

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Years ago a good friend of mine used to order these all the time whenever we would go out for some good eats. I loved them to and would always sneak one or two from her plate, never ordering my own batch as there were other things enticing me.

Making your own cheesy, crunchy, melt in your mouth baked potato skins is as easy as it sounds. They really do taste as good (if not better) as when you order it in a restaurant or pub. Another perfect appetizer to make if you are having friends over to watch a game as you can prep them in advance and have them ready to pop into the oven.

You can vary the cheese for a different flavour, but we tend to stick with old cheddar for this one. I do not mix any of the leftover potato back in since we are not making stuffed potatoes and these taste really good as is. You can fry up the leftover potato and make a delicious hash or hasbrowns.