For The Love of Swine

Not too long ago we added swine — American Guinea Hogs, an endangered heritage breed to be exact — to our farm family. It didn’t take any time at all for us to fall completely and utterly head over heels for the animals themselves, but I’d be remiss not to mention that we’ve been avid fans of pig-derived products for quite some time before their arrival — and I’m not talking football.

It’s amazing the number of marinades and rubs that pair perfectly with a good pork chop, or the ways in which a slow-cooked pork roast can be used. I’m particularly fond of slathering them in fruit flavors — apple, raspberry, mango — and adding a heavy dose of spice — jerk, chili, cracked pepper. And the meals from which those combinations can be made are endless; pork tacos, pork sausages tossed with pasta and grilled vegetables, white pork chili, bean soup.

Above and beyond all that however, is bacon. In sandwiches, crumbled on greens, chopped and added to a favorite potato or pasta salad recipe, with chocolate — yes, chocolate — bacon is heaven on earth as far as I’m concerned. Of course anything that compliments tomatoes and mayo on two pieces of toasted sourdough is above and beyond good with me so this is of no surprise. And it’s with that love in mind that I can spend copious amounts of time browsing the internet for bacon in all its glorious forms.

One of the most tantalizing of those products I’ve found to date has to be Skillet Street Food’s Bacon Jam on Foodzie (Pictured at top). Here’s what Real Simple magazine had to say about it:

This savory blend of bacon, onions, spices, and balsamic vinegar is perfect for your pork-loving oinkle. Spread on grilled cheese, burgers, and toast.

Vibrant Flavor‘s Maple Bacon Pretzels and The Red Head’s Bacon Peanut Brittle (pictured second and third in this post, respectively) come in a close second and both are also Foodzie products.

Do you have a favorite bacon product, flavor combination or recipe? Share it in the comments!