Random Friday

I have some random thoughts.



I received an untraditional, but greatly appreciated Valentine's gift from Bob and Kelly. They run the CSA that we belonged to last summer. As well as providing us with awesome produce, they raise chickens, cows and pigs.


That brings me to my V-day gift. Bob had his pigs butchered and processed. Pork is my FAVORITE meat. I adore almost all parts of the pig. Bob gave me (and, I guess Glenn too, even though it was a little bit difficult to share) a slab of bacon. When I say slab, I mean slab - I was able to slice it into nice thick strips. Oh, I was in heaven sniffing all that smokey goodness on the way home from Kelly and Bob's.

I am closely rationing this delicacy. On Monday we made spaghetti carbonara - delish! And my plans for the remaining bacon bring me to my next random thought.

Those of you with delicate/sensitive palettes, please brace yourself, or skip this next part all together. And, those with an adventurous approach to food, please read on. I am toying with the idea of creating a chocolate bacon cake a la this candy bar. Chocolate is my lifelong #1 food, so I thought I would try to combine two of my food favorites. So, my question to you is, are any of you interested in a recipe for chocolate cake with chocolate bacon ganache? I am up for the challenge!

Last random thought, and it is in keeping with the food theme. Last night Glenn and I made ricotta cheese. It could have not been any easier. We are debating about how to use this special cheese this weekend. He is pulling for calzones stuffed with our delicate ricotta and fresh-from-the-garden tomato sauce (well, at this point, it has taken a detour into the frosty depths of the freezer). I am thinking of pairing the ricotta with some blood oranges. Last week we bought an entire case of blood oranges, about 80, for $10.00 and I am trying to get creative before they go bad. Related to all things cheese, we are taking a cheese making class at Zingerman's tomorrow.

Have a fun weekend!