Bacon And Cheddar Cornmeal Johnnycakes Food

TRADITIONAL JOHNNY CAKES

Steps:

• Combine the cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal mixture in a steady stream into the boiling water, whisking constantly. Turn off the heat and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add the butter and whisk until melted and incorporated. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes (this will soften the grains to prevent a gritty texture as well as enable the consistency to thicken). At that point the consistency should resemble that of mashed potatoes. If it's still too runny let it sit a bit longer.
• Heat a cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add some butter, oil, or bacon grease to the cast iron pan. If using non-stick still add a little oil/butter.Drop the batter in roughly 1/4 cup scoops onto the frying pan about 3 inches apart. Let the cakes fry undisturbed for several minutes until the edges are browned. This can take anywhere from 6-12 minutes. If you try and flip them too soon they will fall apart in a mushy mess so be patient. Once the edges are browned flip the cakes over and use a spatula to press them down to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch so they can become nice and crispy. Continue to fry on the other side for several more minutes until the cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add a little more oil or butter when you flip them over to fry them on the other side.Transfer the cakes to a wire rack placed on baking sheet and put them in a warmed oven to keep warm while you make another batch.
• Serve hot with butter, maple butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.Makes twelve 3-inch Johnny cakes.

CHEDDAR AND BACON CORNMEAL WAFFLE SANDWICHES WITH MAPLE MUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, butter, 1/4 cup of the maple syrup and eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
• Heat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. Spray the grates of the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Use a scant 1/2 cup of the batter per grid, close the cover and cook until golden brown or when the steam stops emerging from the waffle iron, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. The recipe will make 6 waffles.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the Dijon mustard and the remaining 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup in a small bowl.
• Place 3 waffles on a large baking sheet in a single layer and spread some of the mustard over the tops of each waffle. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Place in the oven until the cheese has melted.
• Arrange one-third of the bacon slices on the cheesy waffles and drizzle with a little more of the Dijon mustard mixture. Top with the reserved 3 waffles. Slice on the diagonal and serve warm.

CHEDDAR AND BACON BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the cheese, bacon and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight patties., Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato if desired.

CHEDDAR-BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cook macaroni as directed on package. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook on medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese; cook and stir 5 min. or until melted.
• Drain macaroni. Add to sauce with bacon; mix lightly. Spoon into 1 1/2 quart casserole; top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

BACON AND CHEDDAR CORNMEAL JOHNNYCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°; have ready a rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
• Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until crisp and golden, about 6 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.
• Pour off and reserve the fat, leaving a thin film of fat in the pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat.
• Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk just until combined.
• Fold in the bacon and cheese.
• Reheat the frying pan over medium heat until hot.
• For each johnnycake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Flip and cook the other side until golden, about 1 minute more.
• Transfer to the baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
• Repeat until all the batter is used, greasing the pan with more reserved fat, as needed.
• Serve the johnnycakes piping hot, with plenty of butter and honey.