In July 2007, Grub Street New York announced that bacon had “jumped the shark” with the advent of Bacon Salt. In 2009, Details.com opined that baconmania had “gone too far.” Why, then, did NPR just do an article about bacon getting its just desserts? Humans worldwide have come out of the closet in the past decade to declare their love for the pork belly, arteries be damned. Have we tired of our new-found love of bacon so soon? Don’t place your bets just yet. This is a review of just a handful of bacon treats, trends and novelties from the past year.
In February 2009, the 2nd Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival was attended by 280 enthusiastic pork lovers, and with interest pouring in from around the country, organizers took the party on the road. The Festival has been touring around the U.S. all year.
In March, the innovators at chili-takedown.com took a break from their regularly scheduled nomming to hold their first ever Bacon Takedown. This Brooklyn event was such a hit, it was re-animated on September 13 in Nashville Tennessee.
The mother of all bacon events, International Bacon Day, has officially taken the world by storm. Even Wikipedia can’t ignore it anymore. With heavy hitters like BBQ Addicts (inventors of the glorious Bacon Explosion) and the Royal Bacon Society holding their own annual celebrations, this is a celebration that’s bound to go on for years.
New and sometimes alarming bacon products pop up constantly. The good people at Bacon Salt brought us Baconnaise - beloved by many, hated by Jon Stewart. As mentioned earlier, the Bacon Explosion was created just in time for a Super Bowl heart attack. And in case you were looking for a meatier Bloody Mary, Bakon Vodka has you covered. Even the iPhone has bacon apps for all your virtual cravings.
Apparently Americans want their bacon FAST, and nearly every major fast food obliged. Wendy’s had the Baconator. McDonald’s bragged about the Bacon Angus Burger with three whopping slices. Speaking of whoppers, Burger King will put bacon on anything, 60 slices if you want! KFC is threatening a Double Down sandwich that is nothing but chicken, cheese and bacon…hold the bun. Even Taco Bell jumped on the bandwagon with the Bacon Cheddar Gordita Crunch. Will wonders never cease?
For those who like a little salt with their sweets, you can find online recipes from apple pie to chocolate chip cookies to rich caramels, all with a healthy dose of bacon.
Think bacon is funny? So does Archie McPhee. Their bacon novelties range from belts to tuxedos, from jelly beans to dental floss, yes, even air fresheners and bandages.
The number of bacon sites in the blogosphere literally boggles the mind, and new sites keep springing forward every day. Add to that bacon-of-the-month clubs, artistic renditions of streaky rashers, and rousing endorsements from nearly every Food Network chef and you’re still just scratching the surface. This baconberg is huge, and drifting in your direction. Don’t look for it to slow anytime soon; it’s a force of nature that won’t easily be stopped.
Signing Off and Pigging Out,
Rocco “Boss Hog” Loosbrock
Visit our Bacon Club by clicking here
Everyone knows that a Christmas stocking can be as much fun as the presents under the tree. Some stocking stuffers carry a long tradition. (Orange in the toe, anyone?) But it’s always fun to surprise your loved ones with an unexpected treat. Here are some great ideas to put a little sizzle in the stockings this year.
Boss Hog’s Bacon Seasoning - The gift that keeps on giving! Now almost anything can have the smoky, salty flavor of bacon. Works great with steak, eggs…and especially popcorn!
Bacon Bandages - Amazingly realistic and completely hilarious, these will crack your kids up. And if anyone’s getting a skateboard this year, bandages will come in handy.
Bacon Lip Balm - Every time you eat bacon don’t you wish you could taste that cured meat flavor all day long? Well, now you can! Just carry around a tube of this Bacon Lip Balm and you can keep your lips moist and meaty around the clock. Warning: Your lips will smell like bacon, but they are not bacon. Do not bite your lips.
Bacon Wallet - After the holiday spending spree is over, everyone will need a place to start saving their money again. This novelty faux-leather wallet is just the ticket.
Real Bacon Bits - We all over-indulge during the holidays. When that inevitable New Year’s Resolution about eating more salads rolls around, these tasty bacon bits will help you keep your pledge.
Bacon T-Shirt - With more than a dozen designs to choose from, you can find a shirt to match everyone’s style and sense of humor.
And this is just the tip of the baconberg. For these and other great gift-giving ideas, check out Bacon Freak’s full store for endless possibilities. Happy holiday shopping!
Signing Off and Pigging Out,
Rocco “Boss Hog” Loosbrock
Visit our Bacon Club by clicking here
