Biscuits and Maple Bourbon Bacon Gravy


Maple Bourbon Bacon Gravy Essentials

Bacon Gravy Reducing

Biscuits and Maple Bacon Bourbon Gravy 

Biscuits and Gravy is such a classically Southern dish. It was a staple at my house growing up and whenever I am around it now, I unabashedly ask for seconds. Recently, I have been enamored with all things bacon and thought that Bacon Gravy might just be divine!

When I set out to write this recipe, I knew that I wanted it to stand out among other bacon gravy recipes and I wanted it to be elegant enough to entertain. I started playing with different flavor profiles and found foodie bliss in Maple Bourbon Bacon Gravy.  The bacon is salty and the maple and bourbon play off its smokiness. The half and half adds an elegant touch and leaves you with a gravy that is creamy and decadently delicious. 

Ingredients
1 LB Maple Bacon
4 Tablespoons of your favorite bourbon
1 Tablespoon of Salted butter
1 Tablespoon of Flour
2 Pints of Fat Free Half and Half

Instructions
  1. Start with your essentials; Bacon, Bourbon, Butter, Flour, Half and Half and a Maker’s and Diet in J Charles monogrammed glass.
  2. Cut 1lb of maple bacon into lardoons and cook until crisp.
  3. Remove bacon from Pan and drain bacon fat.
  4. Return pan to heat and deglaze with 2 tablespoons of bourbon. Once it has reduced slightly, return bacon to pan and add the last two tablespoons of bourbon. Cook until all bourbon is absorbed by bacon and remove from pan.
  5. In same pan, add 1 tablespoon of salted butter at a medium heat. 
  6. Once butter has melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until flour is cooked through.
  7. After flour is cooked, slowly add your pints of Fat Free half and half, while stirring. 
  8. Simmer half and half over medium heat until it is reduced by half. About 10 – 15 minutes. If it over reduces, add a little milk and it should thin out.
  9. Add bacon, stir and serve over your grandma's homemade biscuits!
  10. This recipe yields four 1/2 cup servings.



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Ina Garten's Foolproof


Ina Garten is a girl after my own heart. Her recipes are elegant, delicious and possess a wow factor that can make any southern hostess look like a master chef.

Photo credit www.amazon.com

While I was living in New York City, I had the opportunity to attend the book signing for her new cookbook Foolproof. At the book signing, we were treated to an hour long conversation where she discussed flavor profiles, frying latkes in clarified butter, Union Square Cafe (it IS as amazing as they say) and her fabulous new cookbook! Ina is even more adorable in person and her friends from her show, Barefoot Contessa, were there to cheer her on; it was so sweet! 

Please excuse the grainy picture. 
Ina's signature

While this is not a southern cookbook, it centers around entertaining which southerners love to do! With recipes like Cosmos with fresh sour mix and Crab Strudel, you will have your guests impressed for weeks! She also includes a cake that features Maker’s Mark bourbon in this cookbook...did I mention she was a girl after my own heart?

Some of her recipes could even be considered southern! For an updated twist on a southern BBQ staple, give her Lobster & Potato Salad a try. You could also turn her Jalapeno Cheddar Crackers into cheese straws, a southern cocktail party favorite. And why not try frying your fried green tomatoes in clarified butter for an added touch of glamour and elegance?


Her recipes are always simple, easy to follow and full of fresh ingredients and the recipes featured in Foolproof are no exception.  To gild the lily, Ina provides foolproof menus, tips for cooking and elegant table settings. I recommend this cookbook to all who love entertaining. 
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