The Southern Cook's Secret Weapon

Southern cooks have used lard, the rendered fat of pigs, for centuries.  When I was a kid, I always thought it was gross that cooks in my family would save their bacon grease in a container to use for later frying or flavoring.  And now here I am with my own Mason jar of bacon grease in my refrigerator.  Move over Paula Deen!

While it is certainly not a healthy alternative to olive oil, canola oil, or many other oils, bacon fat has its place in the kitchen.  First of all, this salty oil with its bacon flavor would be kitchen waste if not used.  So there is an element of frugality to saving and using bacon fat.

When I lived in France I noticed many French dishes use a small bit of fat in some form (cream, oil, butter, lard, etc.) to provide both flavor and satiation.  Our bodies quickly metabolize carbohydrates but fatty foods take a bit longer and provide a feeling of richness and fullness to dishes.  Here is how to make your own bacon drippings...and excellent bacon!

Don't FRY bacon.  It's messy.  Instead, BAKE bacon!

THE BACON:  Lay out your strips of bacon on a baking sheet with a rim around it.  Put in an oven pre-heated to 325 F. Cook until the desired crispness.  Use tongs to remove the cooked bacon to a plate covered with several paper towels or napkins.  After the bacon has cooled, put in a plastic zip bag to either freeze -or if using in the next several days- refrigerate.  When you need some bacon for a recipe or for a yummy breakfast, reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds per slice.  Wrap your bacon first in a napkin or paper towel to catch any grease splatters.

TIP:  My mother taught me how to bake bacon.  She cooks up an entire package of bacon at a time.  She cooks her bacon to slightly less crisp than she likes.  Then when she reheats in the microwave, the bacon will cook a bit more to the desired crispness.

THE BACON GREASE:  Once the bacon drippings in the baking sheet have cooled, tip the sheet to one corner and pour the bacon grease into a container.  I use a glass mason jar in case some of the grease is still hot.  Then keep in your refrigerator for future use.



DIETS:
Diabetic:  yes
Gluten Free:  yes
Nightshade Family Free:  yes
Paleo:  yes
SugarBusters:  yes
Sugar Free:  yes
Vegan:  no, most definitely not
Vegetarian:  no, most definitely not
Wheat Free:  yes
200 Calories or Under:  yes* (if used very sparingly, fat has a lot of calories in any form)

Notice:  Be sure to check with your doctor and nutritionist about the safety of any eating plan for you.  Also, check ingredients as different brands and products may have different ingredients or have changed them since this post.  Some calories are estimates based on packaging.