Meat Log

Yeah you heard me, as if meat wasn't enough, mix three flavors for a delicious log of meat.  Its the gift that just keeps on giving. 

1 1/2-2lbs of thick sliced bacon
1lb of ground beef
1lb of ground pork or favorite
   sausage
1 small onion
1 large spoon full of chopped garlic (or more)

Heat the oven to 425, or light the BBQ! Roll out a 12' long sheet of aluminum foil.  On the foil create a lattice of bacon.  I'll say it again, create a lattice of bacon. 

How do you make a lattice of bacon?  Place 5-6 slices of bacon side by side on foil.  Take new slice and weave it through (over and under) perpendicular to the other pieces already laid down. Until you have a woven blanket of bacon. Doesn't it already sound delicious?  In large bowl mix together beef, onion and garlic. Then spread mixture over the lattice of

bacon, and then spread the sausage over the top of the ground beef.  If using plain ground pork you may want to add more onion, garlic and then some salt and pepper.  Next roll your log! :)  Start on one end and roll to the end.  Go slow and be gentle.  This is were good thick bacon is useful in helping to stay together.  Wrap up in your foil and place on BBQ or in oven.  If putting in oven place in pan of some kind to catch the drippings to help prevent fire in your oven.  On the BBQ is optional or do in 2-3 layers of foil, in order to stay safe from fire.  Cook for about 30 minutes or until ground meats nearly are done.  Then open up the foil and let the bacon crisp up.  I like to broil it lightly for a few minutes to crisp up the bacon.   If needed drain fat from pan, it helps keep the left overs from being so saturated.  Slice your self a bit of the log and enjoy.  If you dare, add some ketchup or mustard. 

Get creative!
* add some Cajun spices
*try some BBQ sauce in there
*cooking it in a smoker is very delicious too!
*hmm maybe a horseradish  kind dipping sauces of somemight be pretty good paired with this too...

Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach

While scallops may not (or maybe they are!) be part of your 'normal' dinner lineups, here is a nice and easy way to treat yourself with a delicious delicacy.   

3 Thick and meaty slices of bacon
1 1/2 Pounds scallops
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 Tsp kosher salt
1/4 Tsp fresh ground pepper, divided
1 C chopped onion
6 Cloves sliced garlic
12 oz fresh baby spinach
4 wedges of lemon

1.  Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp (cast iron if you have it).  Then remove bacon from pan saving about 1 TBSP of the drippings.  Chop the bacon coarsely and set aside. Increase heat.

2.  Gently dry scallops with a paper towel.  Then evenly sprinkle the scallops with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 pepper.  Place scallops into screaming hot pan with drippings.  Cook for about 1 1/2 min each side or until done.  Remove from pan and keep in warm place. 

3.  Reduce the heat to medium-high and add onion and garlic to the pan.  Sauté about 3 min,  stirring frequently. 

4.  Add half the spinach, stirring frequently for a minute.  While continuing to stir add remaining spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 min). 

5.  Remove from heat and add remaining pepper and Kosher salt.  Divide spinach on to plates, and top with the crumbled bacon and scallops, garnish with lemon.  Enjoy immediately!