10 reasons we love bacon – to mark International Bacon Day
You can’t beat a bacon butty – but the crispy stuff goes down well however you choose to eat it we reckon
There’s nothing more comforting than grilling a packet of bacon and sliding the frazzled rashers between two slices of bread slathered with butter and ketchup.
And as it’s International Bacon Day on Saturday, September 2, we thought it only right we show our appreciation for the good stuff.
1. The smell is incredible
Apparently, there’s a whole lot of science behind the joy we find in the smell of bacon. We just know it’s delicious and the smell of it sizzling in a pan is guaranteed to get us up and out of bed.
2. Nothing cures a hangover quite like it
It’s a combination of the smell, the pork grease soaking into thick white buttered bread and the mandatory cup of tea that accompanies a bacon butty that somehow eases the effects of any night out.
3. It goes with savoury breakfasts
As a side for poached or scrambled eggs, balanced on potato waffles, or as part of a full English – if there’s no bacon at breakfast, there’s a problem.
4. … and sweet breakfasts
Proper American pancakes and French toast absolutely demand streaky bacon – and lashings of maple syrup.
5. Any meal can be improved if there’s bacon in the fridge
Stirred through pasta sauce for a smoky, piggy hint; fried up in a simple risotto with peas; added to bolognese for extra body; stacked on top of avocado toast, omelettes and fritattas – the options are endless.
6. It makes everyone happy
Young, old, rich, poor, hungover, in a rush, tired after the school run, just waking up, just going to bed, student, CEO – regardless, bacon is always there for you (unless you’re vegan or vegetarian).
7. You can even get it as a jam
Dinner tonight! Stuck for ideas..? Look to the #Baconjam #Cookbook for inspiration #foodie #ideas #showusyours #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/3uKYed7QLG
— eat17 (@EAT_17) July 21, 2017
Yes, spreadable bacon – a bacon relish if you will – that you can add to soups and sauces, to cheese sandwiches and egg baps, and to use instead of butter if you are so inclined. What’s not to love?
8. Bacon totally goes with chocolate, too
Seriously, is there anything bacon doesn’t go with? Try bacon brownies with a hint of salted caramel and you’ll understand what we mean.
9. There are levels of bacon-y goodness to choose from
Unsmoked back bacon for everyday needs, smoked back bacon for the weekends, slivers of streaky for pancakes and to crumble over jacket potatoes, and a trip to the butcher’s for proper hand-cut bacon on special occasions and for serious brunches.
10. We’ll even eat fake bacon
When is a cake not a cake? When it’s a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich. The Great British Bake Off, Tuesdays at 8pm. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/YAYPrMjv1Q
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) August 30, 2017
We’d happily eat it in cake form if it was as convincing as this one from the first episode of the new series of the Great British Bake Off on Channel 4.
The Press Association
Latest posts by The Press Association (see all)
- In Pictures: Party stalwart kept New Labour in touch with traditional supporters - November 21, 2024
- 6 easy indoor exercises to try this winter – and why they are good for you - November 19, 2024
- Martin Clunes: I can’t afford to retire – I’ve got too many horses - November 19, 2024
- How to avoid plant losses, flowering disappointments and container catastrophes - November 17, 2024
- John Lewis Christmas ad stars sister in last-minute dash back in time - November 14, 2024