Bacon, bacon everywhere

A year or so ago, I tried to convince a couple ladies at work that bacon was trendy. They didn't buy it, but the evidence is now overwhelming: bacon is clearly the trendiest food since cupcakes.

A woman at work last week mentioned that a friend's party is bacon-themed. A little quick browsing online suggests this is not an uncommon option for grown-up birthdays. Planning your own bacon-themed party? Here are a few suggestions for the evening.

To get in perfect sparkling-fresh form for the party, don't just brush: floss with bacon.

Wondering what to wear? Perfect protection from grease spatters: a chic bacon apron.


Start the party with appetizers. Sure, you could offer the popular bacon-wrapped dates. But doesn't bacon-wrapped bacon just sound more ... bacony? (Below, from Cowgirl's Country Life.)


For the salad course: Bacon Cups and Bowls.

Take a break from pure bacon with Lentil and Bacon soup. (Note that with salty bacon in a recipe like this, using a low-sodium broth or stock is very important.)

Just drinks tonight? Opt for a bacon-oriented cocktail.

For large-scale bacon wrapping and draping: the Bacon Weave.

For the dessert course: Dean & Deluca bacon peanut brittle. Or a bacon chocolate bar. Or combine your foodie trends with a cupcake: choose from dark chocolate with bacon or French toast with bacon. (Below, from lifewithcake.com)


For the perfect sandwich of bacon-related leftovers: The Original Baconnaise (also check out bacon salt and baconnaise light -- I know when I'm craving mayo and cured meats together, I'm definitely hoping for something light).

And make sure to pay homage to the most famous man in Bacon: Sir Francis. The artist has no personal connection to nicely cured pork, but he did establish the Scientific Method -- something any hypothesizing and experimenting chef can appreciate. Francis Bacon's birthday is exactly one month away -- making today the perfect time to start party-planning.