The Year Of Bacon

In China, last year they celebrated the Year of the Rat. In the United States we celebrated (and still do) the Year of Bacon. Bacon is one of these most consumed meat sources around the world. People tend to flock to the delicious salty taste and crispy yet chewy texture. Bacon was regarded as the “2008 Ingredient of the Year” and continues to be leader in food trends for 2009.

Using bacon is not a new food trend concept. Delicious slabs have been served up in diners, fancy restaurants and homes for quite some time. Bacon has spent many years being served at breakfast time, but now chefs are integrating bacon into some of their finest recipes. What is making bacon so popular is the fact that it is such a versatile and delicious ingredient to work with. In fact, chefs have come up with surprising new ideas when it comes to using bacon.

Fast food giants like Carl’s Jr. and Burger King have embraced the idea of adding crispy bacon onto some of their most loved burgers. Bacon has crossed industry lines and now can be found in products that once would be unthinkable. Even in this health conscience world, bacon continues to lead the way in culinary trends.

Move over chocolate covered pretzels, candy makers are now making chocolate covered bacon crisps. That sweet and salty taste certainly is a delight to the taste buds. You will also find the “Flying Chocolate Pig” which is milk chocolate with tiny applewood smoked bacon crumbles made by chocolatier Vosges, as a top dessert pick for 2008. Chefs have also incorporated bacon into other desserts like cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies and even ice cream. Industry experts report that the key to making great bacon desserts is to concentrate on the flavor pairings.

Bacon wrapped hot dogs and deep friend bacon on a stick, coated with French fries has been a hit with street vendors. Edible bacon cups have proven to be a fun idea. Served with dips or salad, this cup is both useful and delicious to eat. Bacon Vodka and Bacon Martinis have proven to be two of the hottest new drinks on the market as well.

What other ingredient is so versatile that it can be wrapped around or combined with almost any other food to make a fantastic entrée, dessert, appetizer or drink? It will be interesting to see if bacon remains as one of the top food trends of 2009 as well. After all, many food consultants will tell you that everything tastes better with bacon!