Bless My Bacon‪!‬ Steve McKenzie

The only reason I'm chatting with Scott Smith and Neal Hull from the National Pork Board is because of Scott's beard.  While doing research for the podcast, I discovered that Scott won the 2022 Farm Journal's PORK "Best Beards in the Pork Industry".  From there we started talking and one thing led to another and...they're on the podcast today!  I'm excited to have them on, to give us a broader view of the pork/bacon market and how it affects small-batch bacon producers and bacon lovers in general!

In the news, two big fast food giants are bringing back more bacon-inspired favorites...
The bacon producer of the week is Black Sheep Bacon Company...
The recipe of the week is Dr. BBQ's Tomato Bacon Pie!
Enjoy!

This week's episode features Chemical Engineer Craig Rasmussen of Grandad's Bacon in Loveland, Ohio.  Craig has extensive bacon education both at home and abroad.  This world-traveler is a plethora of information.  You'll love what he has to say and you'll love his bacon (grandadsbacon.com)

Our Bacon producer of the week is 99 Counties in Keystone, Iowa.

The recipe of the week is crowd favorite Cream Cheese Dip with Bacon and Onion, from Bensa Bacon Lovers.  Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Billy Stitt is making a name for himself in small-batch bacon industry.  Bill-E's Bacon is known nationwide for it's flavor and quality.  Perhaps it's because his bacon is serenaded by local musicians (true story!)  In this episode, we dig a little deeper into his business and glorious bacon.  
KFC is bringing back their most iconic sandwich after nearly a decade and there are a couple of bacon festivals to report on.
Our bacon producer of the week is Hill's Premium Meats in Pendleton, Oregon.
This week's bacon recipe is bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese and basil (yum!)
Enjoy!

Here's a fresh take on the bacon-making process from bacon enthusiast David Bondy, from England.  He's been making bacon for over 20 years and shares his secrets on both back bacon and streaky (American) bacon.   What he loves most about the process is being in control of all aspects of production: sourcing quality meat, calculating the precise amount of curing ingredients, curing and smoking time, as well as the wood smoke component.  It was a true pleasure speaking with David.  You'll enjoy his passion!

In bacon news we'll report on a strange ingredient a woman found in her bacon. 
Our bacon producer of the week is Serendipity Farms in Northern Michigan and our recipe of the week is Warm Potato Salad with Bacon.  Enjoy!

This week, I chat with Paul Kennedy, owner of S.O.B. Bacon (Society of Bacon), in Douglassville, Pennsylvania.  Paul is a master of small-batch bacon, has some great friends who inspire his work (including a chef and the owner of a spice shop).  His business is growing and he decided to chat for a bit about how it all started, how he experiments with new flavors, and what's next.

Our bacon producer of the week is Grandad's Bacon in Loveland, Ohio.  We'll talk about their business as well as bring you our Recipe of the Week--Pan fried brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic.

Enjoy!

Matthew O'Donohue was my first guest on the podcast last year on October 8th.  To this day, that podcast has more views than any other I've done.  Matthew is the owner of "Who Loves Bacon", a small-batch bacon producer in Bakersfield, California.  He and his wife Jahama are passionate about their craft and continue to expand their product offerings and customer base.  I appreciate his friendship and believe you'll enjoy the information and advice he offers!

In bacon news, one of our stories is about a restaurant in Maryland that will give you free bacon with your meal.  

Our bacon producer of the week is S. Clyde Weaver in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Our recipe of the week is Maple Bacon Cupcakes, from Bensa Bacon Lovers.
Enjoy!