Many of us may recall our grandmothers and our mothers keeping a jar of grease next to the stove. While some of us may still keep up with this tip, others may not fully understand the use of keeping a jar of bacon grease next to the stove. But, it does have plenty of uses and benefits. Nicknamed 'liquid gold' bacon fat was used in many kitchens as a staple back in the day. And today, it is still loved by home cooks. It is stored in an airtight container in the fridge and can add some incredible flavor to your favorite foods. So, whether you love pork or turkey bacon, you can find a way to reuse the oil in your recipes. Here, you will discover how to render the fat in order to reap the benefits.
Before we begin, however, note that in order to get a good rendering, you want to cook your bacon over low to medium heat slowly and preferably in a cast iron pan. You may also use a regular skillet, but the key is slow cooking so that the fats collect in your pan. Then, allow it to cool and strain the grease into a glass container to store for later. Here's what you can do with it:
1. Cornbread
To use bacon fat with cornbread, simply melt a dollop of bacon fat into the batter for a tasty punch. Alternatively, you can warm some up in a skillet before pouring your batter into it.
While you likely already enjoy your bacon-and-eggs combo for breakfast, cooking your eggs in bacon fat can give you that extra flair you need in the morning.
3. Beans
For tasty beans simply melt some bacon grease into your pot before putting it on your beans then saute or stew with a bit of this meaty flavoring.
Whether it's green beans or asparagus, they'll taste even better with a smattering of bacon grease. Either replace your cooking oil with bacon fat or drizzle some over your veggies as a dressing. For further flavor, create a warm salad dressing by adding some seasonings or fresh herbs to the bacon fat when serving salad greens.
5. Dog Food
You can treat your pet to some real bacon flavor by adding a small amount to his dish. It's pretty simple too, just stir a little bit of it into his food and he;ll lick the dish clean. Bonus! Bacon fat is said to make dogs' coats shinier!
Oil your muffin tins, bread pans or frying pans with bacon grease, no matter if you are whipping up something sweet or savory.
7. Infuse Alcohol
Some people love to mix bacon fat into their liquor. You can add it to your bourbon, or rum-based cocktail.
