I Love You…Bacon

Bacon is like the Bradley Cooper of the meat world. Everyone wants a piece. I think its more than just 15 minutes of fame for this crispy friend who has taken the world by storm. It’s no longer a side gig to somebody’s scrambled eggs or a special appearance on a burger. It’s now showing up in desserts, co-starring with condiments and taking on its own line of merchandise. It even plays a lead role in the popular series Epic Meal Time, whose catch phrase chant is, “bacon strips & bacon strips & bacon strips.”

Growing up in a Kosher home, bacon was not part of our culture. Other than the occasional faux variety like Bacos sprinkled on a salad or Morningstar Farms vegetarian bacon with our breakfast (which is delicious by the way), this was not something I was accustomed to. I was always welcome to venture outside our house to try new foods, but after reading about the three little pigs I felt a loyalty to the hog family as a whole.

I know bacon is everything to everybody. It’s not like I live under a rock, I mean I’m a food fanatic for crying out loud. I have tasted it.

In fact, years ago while dining out I devoured my half of a vegetable quesadilla, and then looked over at my picky-eater friend to find crumbled bits scattered all over her plate. When I inquired about said bits, she told me she had pulled out the bacon. Clearly we were brought the wrong appetizer and clearly I had thoroughly enjoyed my encounter with Porky.

I don’t know if it was my 7-year stretch with vegetarianism that turned me off or the fact that it wasn’t part of my upbringing (Although I did find a way to accept lobster and chicken parmesan into my diet), but something about the fatty meat product just doesn’t do it for me.

Then, there’s my husband. Years ago while we were only dating, we were out to eat with friends and he sweetly said, “I love you…” He’s always been romantic and affectionate with me so it was no surprise that he would showcase that in front of another couple. I looked at him and smiled, and then I realized he wasn’t talking to me. “…bacon.” He concluded.

It was then that I knew, even if I could never understand the love, I certainly had to accept it. And so, for his birthday this year, I created MANCAKES. Bacon. Filled. Pancakes. With a side of homemade corned beef hash to top it all off. And when I brought him the plate, he smiled and said, “I love you…Jenn.”