White Bean Soup Shooters With Bacon Food

BEAN WITH BACON SOUP

Steps:

• Pick through the beans, then rinse and drain them. Put them in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Let soak overnight.
• Drain the beans and return them to the pot. Add the chicken stock and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
• While the beans are simmering, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Add half the bacon to the beans, reserving the rest for garnish.
• Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet and add the carrots, celery and onions. Season with some salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are just beginning to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste and garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.
• Using a slotted spoon, add the vegetables to the beans. Add the bay leaves and give it a good stir. Taste to check if it needs any additional seasoning. Simmer until the beans are tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• When ready to serve, stir in the tomatoes. Serve with the reserved bacon and chopped parsley.

POTATO-BACON SOUP SHOOTERS

Steps:

• Cook 4 bacon slices in a skillet until crisp. Remove, leaving the drippings in the pan. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with the drippings over medium heat. Add 1 chopped leek and 1 chopped peeled russet potato. Cook until the leek is softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, then puree in a blender in batches until smooth. Serve in small glasses; chop the bacon and sprinkle on top.

WHITE BEAN SOUP SHOOTERS WITH BACON

Steps:

• 1. Fry bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until partly done, 3 minutes. Add the olive oil, butter and shallots and sauté until soft, 6 minutes. Add the beans, sage, garlic and broth, bring to a simmer and cook 15 more minutes.
• 2. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor in three batches and puree until smooth. Careful this is hot-may explode when whipped!. Return the pureed soup to the pan and add the cream, cayenne and salt to taste. Keep warm.
• 3. Smear the toasted bread generously with goat cheese and cut into 3/4 inch croûtons. To serve: ladle the soup into shot glasses, top with goat cheese croûtons and sprinkle with black pepper.