Bacon And Eggs With Leeks Food

BACON AND EGGS WITH SAVORY SAUTEED LEEKS

Steps:

• Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble. Saute leeks in bacon fat until soft. Make 4 wells, break 2 eggs in each, and season. Cover and cook until just set, 5 minutes. Top with bacon and chives.

BACON AND EGGS WITH LEEKS

Steps:

• Cut off the root end of the leek and the top dark green part so you are just left with the white and light green section. Cut in half longways and rinse under cool running water. Slice into small pieces.
• Cook the bacon in a heavy deep saucepan until crisp and then scoop out with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan.
• Saute the leeks in the bacon drippings over medium heat until they are tender.
• Crack the eggs into the leeks, cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the eggs are just cooked - you want them a little creamy.
• Scatter the bacon over the eggs and leeks, grind some black pepper on top and serve.

PASTA WITH BACON AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the skillet.
• Add the leeks to the drippings in the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and cook until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the skillet along with the parmesan, half of the bacon and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen. To serve, top with the remaining bacon, more parmesan and parsley.

LEEK, POTATO, AND BACON CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven 325 degrees F.
• Butter an 8-by-8-inch square flameproof casserole dish. Halve the leeks lengthwise, and then cut them crosswise into half circles (There should be about 1 3/4 cups.). Put the cut leeks in the basket of a salad spinner, or a colander set in a bowl, and fill with water. Swish the leeks around to flush out any grit. Lift the basket from water--don't pour the water off or you will pour any grit right back over the leeks.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the pan drippings, add the butter and leeks, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a small saucepan with the garlic, thyme, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and water, to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then drain. Discard the thyme and garlic and add potatoes to the leeks.
• In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs and half-and-half, then stir in the leek mixture, 1 cup of the cheese, the bacon, and nutmeg. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and some pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, cover with foil and bake until just set but still moist, about 55 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Position a rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat the broiler. Scatter the remaining 1 cup cheese over the casserole and broil until the cheese browns, about 3 minutes. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Unmold or serve from baking dish.

EGG, BACON AND LEEK PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Unfold crust on work surface. Using wet fingertips, press together any cracks to seal. Spread flour over. Place crust, floured side down, in 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Fold edge in; press firmly, forming double-thick sides. Pierce crust bottom all over with fork. Bake until pale golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and parsley; sauté until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Spoon mixture into crust. Cook bacon in same skillet until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels and drain. Sprinkle bacon over leeks. Beat eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg in small bowl to blend; pour into crust.
• Bake pie until filling is set in center, about 25 minutes. Remove pan sides. Transfer pie to platter and serve.

CHEESY LEEK & BACON PUFF

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the bacon for 3-4 mins until it begins to crisp. Tip onto a plate lined with kitchen paper. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan with the butter and allow to melt before adding the leeks and thyme. Season and cook for 3-4 mins until softened. Place in a bowl with the crisp bacon and cheese, and allow to cool.
• Whisk the egg in a small bowl with 1 tsp water, to make an egg wash. Cut one-third off the pastry and, on a lightly-fl oured surface, roll out to make a 15cm x 30cm rectangle, and place on a baking sheet. This will form the base of the tart. Pile the leek mixture in the middle of the base, leaving a 2cm surround. Roll the remaining pastry into a larger rectangle which will cover the leek mixture easily. Brush the edges of the pastry base with egg wash, then carefully lay over the larger rectangle and smooth the surface to get rid of any trapped air. Cut away excess pastry to form a tidy edge and glaze with egg wash. With the back of a fork, press to seal the edges. Chill for 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Brush the top of the pastry with more egg wash and season the top before baking. Cook for 10 mins, then reduce the heat to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4 and cook for 25-30 mins until puffed up and golden brown. Serve either hot or at room temperature.
• To make ahead, freeze at end of stage 2 for up to a month, or refrigerate for up to a day.