Central Wisconsin News

Ace Hardware is one of America’s best places to buy a BBQ grill, especially with some of the best brands like Weber, Traeger and Big Green Egg at it’s more than 4,500 independently owned local stores, it’s also a great place to get all types of grilling ideas for all types of grills.

Ace's special Griller’s Recipe of the Week offers a little inspiration for our grilling customers from our Ace expert Chef Jason Morse and now, from you.

Send your favorite grilling recipe ideas to our Ace Grilling Recipe Desk– media@acehardware.com and we’ll evaluate and consider them to highlight alongside Chef Jason’s in this weekly feature.

This week's recipe comes from Nueskes in Whittenberg, WI. Visit your local Ace Hardware in Weston, WI for all of your grilling needs!

Braised Smoked Slab Bacon

Jason Riels  |  Nueske's Southwestern  |  Regional Sales Manager

Yield: Varies

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 90 Minutes at 225˚ F – 90 Minutes Braising at 350˚ F

Cook Temp: 225˚ F for Smoke Temp – 350˚ F for Braising Temp

Ingredients:

3 lb. Applewood/Wild Cherrywood Smoked Slab Bacon (Cut into 1.5 lbs. Pieces)

3-4 lb. Applewood/Wild Cherrywood Smoked Slab Bacon (Cut into 3-4 lbs. Pieces)

1 qt. apple cider           

        

Preparation Directions:

Wash all tools prior to use

Clean and sanitize all cutting boards and prep surfaces prior to use

Read all manufacturer’s instructions before using grills, starters and any cooking tools

Remove pieces or piece of smoked slab bacon from fridge and packaging, place onto a plate and allow to rest at room temp for 10 minutes. Let rest on plate while Big Green Egg reaches temp

10-15 Minutes Ahead – prep smoked slab bacon as follows

To Light Your Big Green Egg…

Stir charcoal in the Big Green Egg and Top off with Fresh Charcoal

Clean out ash pit if needed

Open Bottom vent and top vent for maximum air flow during startup process

Make a well in the charcoal, in the center of the Egg and ignite the charcoal using speedilight starters or an EGGniter

When temp hits 200˚ F add the lower EGGspander system, half grate over the charcoal, then the top EGGspander system with the sliding top grate.  Be sure to add a drip tray to the convEGGtor

Next add the EGGgenius and connect to your wifi

Heat to pit temp of 225˚ F and hold

Burb Big Green Egg and Open dome

Wrap pieces or piece of smoked slab bacon in tin foil with apple cider poured on them to cook in.

Add pieces or piece of smoked slab bacon into the center of the grill grate

Cook for 90 Minutes at 225˚ F

Burp the Egg and open the dome

Remove the pieces or piece of smoked slab bacon and hold in kitchen on a plate

Adjust EGGgenius to 350˚ F and add the dutch oven, without the lid

Close the dome and allow the egg to reach temp of 350˚ F

Burp the egg and open the dome

Place the piece or pieces of braised slab on a plate or in another container to cool.

Cover the plate or container and place it in the refrigerator to allow further chilling.

Once chilled, the braised bacon is ready to be used in your recipes. 

SHOPPING LIST

Big Green Egg, Large (Ace SKU – 8797946)

Big Green Egg, EGGspander (Ace SKU – 8025190)

Charcoal, Big Green Egg (Ace SKU – 8697104)

Big Green Egg, EGGniter (Ace SKU - 8695330)

Thermometer, Big Green Egg (Ace SKU – 8025749)

Dutch Oven, Big Green Egg (Ace SKU - 6470652)

Rub-A-Dub, 5280 Culinary (Ace SKU – 8562050)