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You'll NEVER believe where I went yesterday ................
.................. Paris! I turned 60 this year and for my birthday, my daughter surprised me with the most amazing gift, a day in Paris, just the two of us! The big day was yesterday and we got up super early, took a cab to the train station, then took the high speed EuroStar (it goes under the English Channel) right into the heart of Paris. Though the skies were gray, the forecast rain held off and we had a blast, climbing the Eiffel Tower (720 steps!), eating lunch in the lovely Rue Cler area and strolling down one charming Parisian street after another.
We saw Napoleon's Tomb, Notre Dame, the Louvre and, of course, checked out a bunch of delicious patisseries (pastry shops) and boulangeries (bakeries). It was a wonderful day in every way, but I have to say, the best part was being able to spend the whole day with Cait. Oh, and just as we were ending our day, the skies opened up and the French rain poured down! We didn't care as we headed back to London on the train, eating a lovely picnic dinner of French baguettes, fabulous herbed ham and cheese, truffled honey and of course, a bit of Parisian chocolate!
Since I was going to be totally out of the "blogging loop" from early morning till late night, my daughter-in-law, Lindsay offered to do a guest post for today. As you can see from the pictures, she made something wonderful again and here she is to tell you all about it! Merci, Lindsay! (Oh, and please save a bit of this yummy Bacon Jam till I get home!)
My husband Nick is in the process of training for a 200 mile road biking ride from Greensboro, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC. While that probably seems crazy to some, Nick loves a challenge and he has really enjoyed training for the ride.
- 5 pieces applewood smoked bacon cut into small pieces
- 2 lbs sweet onions cut in half and sliced thin
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
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Heat a large, heavy pot over medium heat (I used my dutch oven) and cook the bacon until lightly browned. Remove bacon, leaving the fat in the pot. Drain on paper towels. When cool, chop into small bits.
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Add the sliced onions to the pot. Allow to cook over medium heat until browned and caramelized, stirring frequently. This takes about 45 minutes.
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Return bacon to the onions and add in the balsamic vinegar and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently another 15 or so minutes. At this point the mixture should be thick and caramelized.
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Allow to cool and store in glass jars in the refrigerator. I got 2 Mason jars full of jam from this recipe. You could easily double it if need be.
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For the appetizer toast a sliced baguette in the oven (400˚ F. for about 10 minutes). Spread the toasted bread with softened goat cheese and top with the jam. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Michelle' Taylor says
Please send me labels for this Bacon Jam
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Michelle, we do not have labels for this recipe at this time.
Julie says
How long would this keep refrigerated and how long frozen? Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
You could keep this for a week to 10days in the refrigerator and 3-6 months in the freezer.
Malinda says
What a wonderful day! Paris is one of my favorite places in the whole world!!! I will be making this jam this week, my husband will love it :). As a Raleigh resident, I would love to know the name of the burger restaurant Lindsey and Nick tried in downtown Raleigh...thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Malinda! It was a day I'll never forget, so fun!
I asked Lindsay about the restaurant. She said it's called "Chuck's".
Vicki Bensinger says
Happy Birthday Chris, it sounds like you had the perfect day!
This bacon onion jam sounds divine. I could see putting it on everything!
Veronica Miller says
Aw, happy birthday to you, Chris! What a wonderful treat. 🙂 Speaking of wonderful treats, this jam is off the chain! Something I definitely have to try.
sophiesfoodiefiles says
What a lovely gift for you & a Happy Birthday to you!! Yeah!
This guest post is a really good one! I love that onion bacon jam a lot: tons of flavours in here! Dtunning pics too! 🙂
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I can't think of a nicer birthday present. Your daughter is a jewel. Happy birthday to you.
I'm visiting from Wives with Knives and just realized I follow your blog on Facebook and enjoy it very much.
I'm falling in love with this onion bacon jam. I agree with Mary that it would be delicious on a burger too.
Sam
Sam
Ginny says
You must have just been in HEAVEN!! How wonderful!!! Are you going to do individual posts on the Louvre and all the other things you saw? Do the French people still smoke a lot? You and your daughter look so much alike!! And you are both gourmet cooks, could it get any better?
Mary says
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday :-). I plan to give that jam recipe a try. I would imagine it to be as good on top of a burger as it is on a baguette. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
lena says
happy birthday to you, chris! what a fantastic birthday surprise! and thanks to lindsay for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Marta @ What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today says
Happy birthday! And your daughter is amazing. What an amazing birthday surprise!
Kim says
Really, a hole day with your daughter in Paris???? This is the perfect gift! I would love to bring my mother to Paris for her 60th birthday (in 2 years)!!!!! Lindsay, I looooooooovvveeeeeee your jam and I WILL try it this weekend!
Sandra Lee says
Chris your family is awesome, so happy you had a fun day in Paris. Lindsay thanks for sharing the recipe I know I will eat a wee bit too much.
Stephanie says
Let's be honnest...it's 6:15am and I craving this jam! It looks so good. Thanks for sharing. And I have to wish you a Joyeux Anniversaire! A day in Paris, that is such an incredibly good idea.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful gift!! I am going to Paris/Europe for the first time with my girlfriend in July, I can not wait!! We will be there for 3 full days. Any recommidations on what we should do?
My HUsband would love Lindsay's Onion Bacon Jam. I'm going to make this for my Husband for Fathers Day!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a wonderful Birthday present! That sounds like the most perfect day.
Oh yum yum yum I can taste this from here. Is it something you could bottle and keep for a while?