Week 52: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 12/27/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	455
BOB	427
TEDD	389
WILLIAM	374
MEG	363
TRACEY	331
DESTINY	293
MATT	270
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	138
MICHELLE	137
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 51: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 12/20/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	455
BOB	423
TEDD	389
WILLIAM	364
MEG	363
TRACEY	329
DESTINY	282
MATT	263
MIKE	177
MICHELLE	137
CHRISTINE	136
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

More Chicken-Fried Bacon

One is close to work for me, the other is close to home!

Week 50: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 12/13/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	455
BOB	419
TEDD	388
WILLIAM	360
MEG	354
TRACEY	320
DESTINY	270
MATT	247
MIKE	177
MICHELLE	137
CHRISTINE	136
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Beautiful Picture of the Fatty Melt.

I think this is the same thing WJR had and god damn! It's beautiful!


I can't believe WJR was able to digest this. I am jealous!!!!!

Bacon Martini? Mmmmm..

Pigging out on bacon and craving more

Week 49: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 12/6/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	448
BOB	419
TEDD	385
WILLIAM	358
MEG	354
TRACEY	304
DESTINY	270
MATT	235
MIKE	177
MICHELLE	137
CHRISTINE	136
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Another Challenge Met!

The Bacon Prize has been awarded to another outstanding scholar whose work continues to have a substantial impact on bacon consumption.



The winner of the Bacon Prize has been invited to spend one term (3 months) in the ER of their favorite hospital. Funds will NOT be provided to compensate the winner’s home institution for the period of residence at the ER. Transportation and local housing cost incurred during this term will be paid by the Bacontarian winner and his/her health insurance (please refer to your insurance benefits).

Congratulations TEDD A! You have joined the ranks of:
Lawrence Principe (2004), Johns Hopkins University, history of chemistry
Alexander Jones (2006), University of Toronto, history of astronomy

Functional Fashion

I received a shout recently from Meg C. (a non-BC '08 participant) of some crochet needles done good. How she found out about this remains a mystery. Is she a secret crocheter? A crochet fan? Just a finder of oddities? I guess that doesn't really matter. What matters is the combining of good eats with good stitches.

Regular bacon keeps you warm on the inside, but this bacon keeps you warm on the outside: Bacon Wrap

What Does The Future Hold?

I received an e-mail from Chris T. about a week ago:

Just came across your site today. A little late to get in on the 08 challenge, but as a daily bacon eater, I could probably catchup in the 6 weeks remaining. Any chance you will be doing this for 2009? I would be interested in participating.

Thanks,
Chris

Well? What's our deal? Is the era of challenges over, or do we go at it again? Bacon again or do we switch to something else?

Apples, to see if "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" really holds true?

Cheese?

Bananas?

Sausage?

Oreos?

Something else?

While in the home stretch we should probably get thinking/deciding.

Week 48: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 11/29/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	448
BOB	419
TEDD	365
WILLIAM	345
MEG	342
TRACEY	304
DESTINY	248
MATT	235
MIKE	177
MICHELLE	137
CHRISTINE	136
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

'Tis the Season

My friend Stacey who is not a participant but is clearly a fan of all this Bacon Challenge madness sent me this today (conveniently just as the Christmas shopping season begins):

Christmas presents for you and your Bacon Challenge cohorts:

http://www.baconnaise.com/

http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1733

http://www.mcphee.com/items/11706.html

http://www.mcphee.com/items/11847.html

http://www.baconandmeat.com/bacon-band-aids.htm

A few of these may have crossed our bacon eating paths this past 11 months, but some are definitely new to me. It seems that nothing would be better than paying for bacon with money taken from a bacon wallet, but that's just one man's opinion.

Happy Thanksgiving ... now get eating bacon. Only 34 days to get to the elusive 365.

Week 47: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 11/22/2008 11:45:15 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	442
BOB	403
TEDD	355
WILLIAM	318
TRACEY	298
MEG	272
MATT	235
DESTINY	229
MIKE	177
MICHELLE	137
CHRISTINE	136
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

41 Days Left

Even with time dwindling, turkey isn't a shortcut I will take.

Illustration courtesy of Natalie Dee

Week 46: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 11/16/2008 1:48:14 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	434
BOB	401
TEDD	351
WILLIAM	311
TRACEY	285
MEG	272
MATT	235
DESTINY	225
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	136
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 45: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 11/8/2008 11:45:03 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	427
BOB	397
TEDD	341
WILLIAM	294
MEG	272
TRACEY	267
MATT	220
DESTINY	215
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	136
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Bacon vs. Fries

I guess somebody has to win, but if only we could overcome the bipartisan nature of politics and create a SuperSenator: election results

Fatty Boombalatty

Tonight I went and got myself a burger from Buckeye Beer Engine. Bacon was included. Now I know this is a bacon blog and I'd certainly never try to steal away bacon's thunder with something else, but I think the real story here is actually the burger that the bacon resided upon. It was November's burger of the month called Fatty Melt (you love it already, I can tell).

Per the Beer Engine menu, Fatty Melt is this: Our famous half-pound beef patty, lovingly placed between TWO grilled cheese sandwiches filled with bacon and tomatoes.

Note that the patty is "famous", and that "famous" patty is not just slapped between two grilled cheeses, it's "lovingly placed" there. Let the record show that I could taste both the fame and the love.

With that I must sign off as I think I am about to go into a coma. A delicious, delicious coma.

Note: Sorry the photo isn't better. It was a little dark in there and I guess the camera on my phone doesn't care for that.

Bacon Flow Chart

Week 44: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 11/1/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	427
BOB	392
TEDD	339
WILLIAM	282
MEG	272
TRACEY	242
MATT	216
DESTINY	215
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	136
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 43: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 10/25/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	427
BOB	384
TEDD	330
WILLIAM	278
MEG	272
TRACEY	242
DESTINY	215
MATT	211
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	136
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

A different kind of bacon strip

Found these gems today.

I might make a purchase. There are also other bacon-centric goodies, including bacon jelly beans, gumballs and a bacon pennant!

Check it.

Week 42: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 10/18/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	420
BOB	384
TEDD	325
MEG	272
WILLIAM	268
TRACEY	242
MATT	201
DESTINY	199
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	136
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 41: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 10/11/2008 11:45:04 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	409
BOB	378
TEDD	307
MEG	272
WILLIAM	257
TRACEY	238
MATT	193
DESTINY	190
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	133
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 40: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 10/4/2008 11:45:04 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	409
BOB	375
TEDD	292
MEG	272
WILLIAM	257
TRACEY	238
DESTINY	186
MATT	183
MIKE	177
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	129
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 39: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 9/27/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	402
BOB	369
TEDD	282
MEG	272
WILLIAM	253
TRACEY	238
DESTINY	186
MIKE	177
MATT	174
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	119
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Congrats to another victor

We need to award a new Bacon Belt! This one goes to Bob for surpassing the year mark. Congrats.

Now go eat a different B.E.L.T.
Or find a different bacon belt.

Week 38: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 9/20/2008 11:45:04 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	391
BOB	369
TEDD	276
MEG	272
WILLIAM	249
TRACEY	238
DESTINY	181
MIKE	177
MATT	171
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	119
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 37: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 9/13/2008 11:45:05 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	382
BOB	357
MEG	272
TEDD	261
TRACEY	232
WILLIAM	226
MIKE	177
DESTINY	170
MATT	165
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	115
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 36: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 9/6/2008 11:45:03 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	370
BOB	343
TEDD	260
MEG	242
TRACEY	232
WILLIAM	226
MIKE	177
DESTINY	170
MATT	156
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Congrats

Mr. Tom "I hate gluten" D. can now hang up his Mission Accomplished banner. That's right everybody, he's the first to hit the magic number of 365. An impressive 365 strips of bacon consumed.

Although I haven't spoken with him, it seems the one strip a day isn't enough for him as with 117 more days remaining in 2008 he's already five over the goal. Always pushing the bacon envelope. He's probably dreaming of breakfast at this very moment.

Kudos, Tom!

Now I gotta go play some catch up.

Chicken-fried bacon

Delicious!

Read about it

Take a look at it

Watch it

Week 35: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 8/30/2008 11:45:03 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	355
BOB	327
TEDD	246
MEG	242
TRACEY	232
WILLIAM	221
MIKE	177
DESTINY	167
MATT	152
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Ironically Delicious?

Bacon Eating Contest Raises Money for American Heart Association

Long-Term Bacon

Stock up your bomb shelter, or maybe just your kitchen pantry. With a shelf life of 10+ years, there's really no reason to not have bacon at the ready no matter what the situation: Canned

Week 34: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 8/23/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	334
BOB	306
MEG	242
TEDD	239
TRACEY	222
WILLIAM	221
MIKE	177
DESTINY	167
MATT	149
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Rock Out With Your Bacon Out

Courtesy of Wendy's and Pandora:

Minnesota anyone? I need some Pig Lickers

These sound amazing.

"One guy came up with, 'Who doesn't love bacon? Who doesn't love chocolate? Let's marry them together.' "

Amen.

Octodog

While it's not bacon, it is pork-related.

http://www.cnet.com/8301-13553_1-10021225-32.html?hhTest

I challenge one of you to construct an Octobacon.

Bacon All Year. Bacon One Day.

Bacon spread out all year long, or bacon on one special day ... there is no wrong way to participate as far as I can tell.

These Bacon Day people commented on a post way back in January when the BC was just getting to be a part of our lives.

They've got a site dedicated to International Bacon Day, which according to their site is: held on the Saturday before Labor Day US (the first Monday of Sep.). This year that is the 30th of August. That's coming up. You have 10 days to prepare.

Go ahead and support this international fest while padding your BC '08 numbers, or getting yourself back in the game or just because you feel like it. August 30, 2008 -- be there.

I'd Like To Report A Bacon Theft

I went camping this past weekend. Just Friday to Saturday afternoon, but during that short time there was some bacon involved.

Sometime in the wee hours of Saturday morning I am awoken by the noise of repeatedly crinkled plastic and some shuffling around. At first I think maybe it is a fellow camper just looking for a latenight snack or something to drink or whatever, but then the quiet noise becomes louder. The twang of hard plastic breaking and then the crash of something falling off of the picnic table gets me fully awake and moving. I get out my flashlight and spot a fat, furry, masked burglar inside the screenhouse under the picnic table. He's got a package of cookies and is squeezing out the door in an attempt to make off with them.

I get out of my tent and chase this raccoon off. He dropped the package of cookies so most of them were able to be recovered. I put them in the cooler and went back to sleep.

Come daylight we were able to survey the scene a bit more carefully. The cookie container had been cracked open a bit. I'm guessing there were some raccoon paws or snout in there so I threw away a few of the cookies on that end of the package, but for the most part no major damage done. Also, some bananas were gone/smooshed. I'd say about four of them. But here's where it gets ugly. I notice some muddy paw prints on the cooler. I also see some paper on the ground. At first I think nothing of it but then ... the bacon!

This bacon was from a market/butcher so it was wrapped in paper as butchers like to do rather than the vacuum sealed packaging of regular store purchased bacon. Every last piece of the bacon was gone. One pound of bacon gone and presumably in one racoon's stomach. Also missing was one hot dog and about five hot dog buns.

Luckily someone had a backup package of bacon so breakfast was not a complete loss. Let this be a lesson to you to not leave your bacon (or anything else) unattended.

Authorities are still searching for the masked bandit. Suspect is considered wily and probably experiencing some vile digestive issues. Approach with caution.

Week 33: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 8/16/2008 11:45:14 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	324
BOB	302
MEG	242
TEDD	231
TRACEY	222
WILLIAM	219
MIKE	177
DESTINY	167
MATT	139
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 32: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 8/9/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	310
BOB	275
TEDD	224
MEG	222
TRACEY	216
WILLIAM	214
MIKE	171
DESTINY	156
MATT	135
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Thanks, Marilyn

Again, thanks to my mom, there is some bacon info worth posting. Check this out -- some good news for us bacon eaters from Marilyn "Ms. Smarty Pants" vos Savant in this past week's Parade Magazine:

Q: On a package of raw bacon, does the calorie content refer to cooked or uncooked bacon?
—James Taylor, Denver, Colo.
A: It refers to raw bacon. If you cook the bacon and discard the fat, the calorie count plummets. A medium slice of raw bacon contains about 125 calories. After broiling, it contains only 35 calories.

Source: http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2008/edition_08-03-2008/Ask_Marilyn

It seems that with this new knowledge we should change the name "bacon" to "diet bacon." As long as you aren't eating it raw or drinking the grease it's almost healthy. Eat up, it's diet!

Week 31: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 8/2/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	296
BOB	268
MEG	222
TRACEY	216
TEDD	214
WILLIAM	210
MIKE	165
DESTINY	156
MATT	135
CHRISTINE	134
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Bad Choices

I must be feeling the strain of 200 plus days of Bacon Challenge pressure ... today while out for some breakfast I ordered some pancakes and eggs. The waitress asked, "Sausage or bacon?" and I opted for sausage patties rather than bacon. Sausage! The patties just sounded so delicious (and to be honest, they were).

Sausage: same delicious breakfast meat family, but just not applicable to the BC '08 tally. So very weak of me. So very unwise.

The regret.

The guilt.

The shame.

As American As Bacon Pie

About a month ago my mom e-mailed me a bacon recipe. While not a Bacon Challenge participant she certainly has taken an interest our desire to plump ourselves up and cut our lives shorter. This particular recipe has so many layers of fat that I think even the one healthy ingredient probably converts from an antioxidant to an artery clogging mechanism just from hanging around with the rest of the troublemakers.

That said, I made this masterpiece last night: Bacon Tomato Pie [complete recipe to follow]

A photo tour ...

Get your ingredients together. Pie shell (I suppose you could make your own if you're fancy), shredded or grated cheddar, mayonnaise (please note: I use "Light" to keep this whole thing healthy), tomatoes and the guest of honor -- bacon.


Bake up the pie shell and cool. Let me mention that I have a new respect for pie makers. This is my first time ever making any sort of pie and even with the pre-made shell it was a pain in the ass and not very pretty. Definitely not a blue ribbon winner at the fair for this guy. But we're here for taste, not for aesthetics (at least not this time). Enter stage center: sliced tomatoes then cooked and broken up bacon on top.


Mix your mayo and cheese and glop on top of the bacon and tomatoes.


Into the oven for like 30 minutes and then try to control your urge to taste for at least a few minutes so you don't burn your face off.


And go at it

Full recipe:
Tomato Bacon Pie
From Taste of Home
1 unbaked deep-dish pastry shell
3 medium tomatoes, cut in 1/4" slices
10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar
1 cup mayonnaise

Bake pastry shell according to package directions. Cool
Place tomatoes in the crust, sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
In a bowl, combine cheese and mayo. Spoon over bacon in the center of the pie, leaving 1" around the edge.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown (cover edges of crust with strips of foil if necessary to prevent over-browning).
Makes six or more slices (about 1.6666667 strips of bacon per slice if you cut it in six).

Make this next time you would like some bacon for breakfast, brunch, lunch dinner, midnight snack or anywhere in between. It's cheesy and salty and tangy and really gives bacon a little more street cred than when it is just sitting around as a side dish.

I had one slice when it was still warm and another the following morning after a night in the 'fridge. It really works either way, although if forced to choose I think I prefer it warm.

Bacon!!

Week 30: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 7/26/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	282
BOB	258
MEG	222
TRACEY	216
TEDD	206
WILLIAM	202
MIKE	157
DESTINY	150
CHRISTINE	134
MATT	123
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 29: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 7/19/2008 11:45:09 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	269
BOB	253
MEG	222
TRACEY	201
TEDD	197
WILLIAM	194
MIKE	153
DESTINY	144
CHRISTINE	134
MATT	123
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	45
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 28: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 7/12/2008 11:45:08 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	258
BOB	248
MEG	222
TRACEY	201
TEDD	197
WILLIAM	194
DESTINY	144
MIKE	144
CHRISTINE	134
MATT	115
MICHELLE	111
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

America's Bithday/Halfway There

So I threw down a July 5th/Halfway Through the Year BBQ on Saturday. As with most things it was rather half-assed, but there was some bacon consumed and some fun had. There was some bacon wrapped around hot dogs, then grilled. Also the same was done with some brats. And then some opted for bacon on their burger. Some (like me) had all of the above.

Also was some cornhole, beer, s'mores, an impromptu lawn mow, chips, dip, guac and lots of sunshine. Summer!!
A brat w/bacon, sauerkraut and Stadium Mustard created by Mike

Week 27: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 7/5/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	250
BOB	241
MEG	202
TRACEY	201
TEDD	197
WILLIAM	187
DESTINY	140
MIKE	132
CHRISTINE	121
MICHELLE	111
MATT	105
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Surf and Swine

Just got back from a little vacay in St. Kitts. Although I didn't see any swine anywhere on the island, there was bacon. Ah, the magic of the shipping industry.

The best use of bacon I tasted was in a little something called the Lobster BLT, served at the Marriott's Bohemia Beach Bar & Grille (aka out by the pool)

A slightly spicy lobster on a roll with bacon, lettuce, tomato. The lobster would be good with nothing else, but this sandwich includes the bonus of two slices of bacon. A nice smoky touch. Here is a photo of half (hopefully your imagination will allow you to picture what the whole thing would look like):


Delicious!

In non-bacon news, I also saw Billy Ocean who was staying at the hotel. For those of you who haven't seen Billy since he was bigtime back in the 80's, he looks like this these days. And just for the record, he opted for the fish burger rather than the lobster BLT. What a fool.

Week 26: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 6/28/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
BOB	241
TOM	229
MEG	202
TRACEY	193
TEDD	188
WILLIAM	187
DESTINY	136
MIKE	132
CHRISTINE	117
MICHELLE	111
MATT	103
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 25: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 6/21/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
BOB	233
TOM	229
MEG	202
TRACEY	181
WILLIAM	176
TEDD	172
MIKE	132
DESTINY	121
CHRISTINE	114
MICHELLE	111
MATT	103
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Meet Me Halfway

So I've been thinking of having a halfway through the year party for awhile now and I think I'm going to actually do it. I bought a grill and have a small yard/paved area to make use of so why not? It's not going to be only bacon, but I think bacon will definitely be the guest of honor. Grilled bacon. That means hot dogs wrapped in bacon, chicken wrapped in bacon, bacon cheeseburgers, vegetables wrapped in bacon, bacon wrapped in bacon, etc. Maybe you can even make some bacon into a straw and drink the beverage of your choice through it (if you perfect that project, please make many straws so everyone can participate). This will be a chance to catch up on your intake or if you are not in need of catching up you can just enjoy supporting on your fellow BCers (aka peer pressure) while you pad your numbers a bit.

If need be the site will be moved from my "yard" to Edgewater State Park (conveniently located withing walking distance of my apartment), but we'll play that by ear.

July 5 is the date. Make your travel plans now!

Bacon for your party times.

I saw this recipe on another site a while ago, but I don't remember the site so if it's yours, you go ahead and let me know and I'll give you credit. But for now, let's just give credit to the seventies. I tried it at a holiday party this year, and it worked super duper well. Everyone loved it. They clapped so loudly I almost couldn't hear their arteries closing.

Here are the ingredients:

Bacon
Parmesan cheese that comes in a green can
Club crackers (the buttery ones)


Sprinkle about 1 t parmesan cheese on to the top of each cracker, wrap with 1/2 slice of bacon. Place on a cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven and leave it there for two hours. For real.

Then eat them. Num num, right?

Right.

Week 24: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 6/14/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	229
BOB	220
MEG	202
WILLIAM	176
TRACEY	174
TEDD	164
MIKE	127
DESTINY	121
CHRISTINE	114
MICHELLE	111
MATT	98
JESS	69
PAUL	61
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Wake 'n' Bake(n)

Okay, so that headline totally didn't work, but you'll forget all about that when you get a load of this:



That right there folks is a pig-shaped alarm clock that wakes you up in the morning with the smell AND sizzle of cooking bacon. IT HAS BACON INSIDE IT AND STARTS COOKING IT WHEN IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GET UP!

You can read all about it and see more pictures here. Who wants to plan a caper with me? We can break into Matty's place, steal the alarm clock, and then take a nap. Anyone?

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes

Pork belly prices are under pressure as interest in the BLT, the popular summer bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, could dip after an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in nine U.S. states, with illnesses in two of them blamed on eating raw tomatoes.

Full story here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080605/us_nm/salmonella_bacon_dc_2

Keep talking crazy, livestock analysts. Bacon will continue to be consumed by Bacon Challenge participants (and probably every other bacon eater), tomatoes or not, so go ahead and drop those prices. That's what we like!

And just for the record, I'm going to keep eating tomatoes too. What's so horrible about a little salmonella with your BLT?

Week 23: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 6/7/2008 11:45:05 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	219
BOB	208
MEG	194
WILLIAM	167
TEDD	154
TRACEY	154
MIKE	127
CHRISTINE	114
DESTINY	113
MICHELLE	111
MATT	96
JESS	69
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

The Bourne SuPIGacy

I saw a commercial the other day for a "Bourne Identity" video game while eating a crunchy BLT and I came up with an idea for a similar movie/video game: "The Bacon Identity."

The basis is a strip of bacon wakes up somewhere and doesn't know who he is. So he's just going about his business and trying to find out pieces of his life, but everyone he meets tries to eat him. He's forced to fight everyone he comes in contact with to save his life.

I think critics will call this film "Delicious!"

Week 22: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 5/31/2008 11:45:09 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	214
BOB	202
MEG	194
WILLIAM	161
TRACEY	154
TEDD	152
MIKE	127
CHRISTINE	114
MICHELLE	111
DESTINY	107
MATT	87
JESS	69
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

The Bacon Man Lives In A Bacon House

While doing some other Simpsons-related "research" while at work today I stumbled upon this audio clip of a bacon needy Homer Simpson in a very pro Bacon Challenge breakfast ordering moment: http://download.lardlad.com/sounds/season17/dohwhere8.mp3

Link courtesy of Last Exit To Springfield (lardlad.com)

Week 21: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 5/24/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	201
BOB	191
MEG	190
WILLIAM	157
TRACEY	154
TEDD	145
MIKE	125
MICHELLE	111
CHRISTINE	111
DESTINY	103
MATT	77
JESS	69
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Bacon + Bourbon = Awesome

Please excuse the dark photo -- there's no flash photography allowed at PDT, the "secret" bar behind the telephone booth at Crif Dog's. This here is their take on the Old Fashioned, which is made with bacon-infused bourbon, maple syrup and orange. Worth every penny of the $12 price tag. Does that count for a strip or two?

Week 20: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 5/17/2008 11:45:10 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
MEG	190
BOB	182
TOM	178
TRACEY	154
WILLIAM	153
TEDD	144
MIKE	115
MICHELLE	111
CHRISTINE	111
DESTINY	101
MATT	77
JESS	69
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	40
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Overboard

The half-assed BC '08 participant, Lozo sent me this link awhile ago. File this bacon recipe under "I" for "Instant Death": Crisscross Rollup

Wales Tales

Kids from Wales ... not bacon (or anything else animal/food-related) smart: Bacon Doesn't Come From Sheep

I Like Bar-S

While I had a moment here by the computer I thought I would post about some bacon I had yesterday. I don't have a whole lot to say about it other than I found it to be tasty and worth a try.
As you can see from the box, it has a "Great Smoky Taste" and a "Satisfaction Guaranteed" promise but most importantly you should note the cowboys in the lower left corner, hanging around the chuck wagon, obviously enjoying some smoky bacon. Mmmmmm, chuck wagon.

Oh, and let me get beyond the packaging and to the important part of this post -- the bacon. What I enjoyed about the Bar-S Sliced Bacon was it was slightly less salty than other brands that I have had thus far during BC '08. I've had some "lower sodium" bacon which usually lacks in taste. This bacon was just plain ol' bacon, but less salty tasting. Where some bacon seems to have so much sodium that it overshadows the actual meat taste, this Bar-S was meat first, salt second.

If you find some give it a try and see if you agree.

Mother's Day

A happy Mother's Day shout to all the moms out there (participants or not). Everyone knows that bacon (and food in general) tastes better when it's being cooked for you by mom.

Week 19: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 5/10/2008 11:45:07 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
MEG	183
TOM	168
BOB	159
WILLIAM	150
TRACEY	139
TEDD	139
CHRISTINE	104
DESTINY	101
MIKE	100
MICHELLE	80
MATT	71
JESS	69
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

#9

I don't really want politics to get involved in our bacon, but Hillary Clinton gave a thumbs up to bacon and America this past week on Letterman: Top 10 (there's video too -- just click on the little icon).

Letterman's "Ohhhhhhh man, is it ever!" sounds pretty convincing too. You know a guy who has had a quintuple bypass has tasted some bacon over the years.

Week 18: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 5/3/2008 11:45:08 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
MEG	161
BOB	156
TOM	155
WILLIAM	144
TRACEY	132
TEDD	132
CHRISTINE	104
MIKE	97
DESTINY	95
MICHELLE	80
JESS	69
MATT	67
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 17: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 4/26/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	155
BOB	143
MEG	140
WILLIAM	133
TRACEY	128
TEDD	124
CHRISTINE	104
MIKE	87
DESTINY	87
MICHELLE	80
JESS	69
MATT	61
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Northwest Bacon

I don't think any of the listed participants of The Challenge are in the Seattle area, but just in case there are some outside/unannounced participants from the Pacific Northwest or if one of us happens to be out in Seattle for business or pleasure, this link, forwarded to me by Matt N. might come in handy.

Skip all the trial and error that comes with finding delicious bacon when you are in a new place. Lindy West has already done it for you: Sleepless Bacon In Seattle

Also, as long as we are on the topic, another bacony Seattle: The Bacon Mansion. I don't even know if they serve bacon there, but it looks nice and sounds delicious.

Week 16: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 4/19/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
MEG	140
BOB	137
TOM	133
WILLIAM	125
TRACEY	123
TEDD	119
CHRISTINE	98
MIKE	81
DESTINY	80
MICHELLE	76
JESS	69
MATT	59
PAUL	53
LORI	50
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Those Crazy Gringos

It seems that the folks at Taco Bell are out to make bacon a bit more accessible for us AND provide bar pick-up advice at the same time:



I like their thinking.

And it only has 48% of the suggested daily intake of fat, so go ahead ... have two!

Dave Lozo: Bacon Slacker

Clearly, I have not been pulling my weight. I blame my desire to not die of a heart attack before the age of 35, and my not wanting to go out and buy new pants. Plus I got up to 18 pieces, couldn't remember my password, didn't feel like e-mailing for it, yada yada yada. I know. I'm such a bitch.

However, if I start seeing bacon in this form, then I will be back on board full-time.

That's my lunch today. I will find someone to make that for me if it takes all day.

Week 15: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 4/12/2008 11:45:06 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TOM	133
WILLIAM	121
BOB	119
TRACEY	118
MEG	114
TEDD	101
CHRISTINE	91
DESTINY	78
MICHELLE	76
MIKE	75
MATT	59
JESS	59
LORI	50
PAUL	43
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Week 14: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 4/5/2008 11:45:05 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TRACEY	118
WILLIAM	118
TOM	116
BOB	104
MEG	100
TEDD	96
CHRISTINE	91
MIKE	75
DESTINY	73
MICHELLE	69
JESS	59
MATT	56
LORI	50
PAUL	43
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Decisions, decisons, decisions...

Not anymore!

Just In Time For Summer

Ladies, this one is for you (well, I suppose it's sorta for the guys as well): The Bacon Bra.

Great for any occasion ... casual, formal, workouts, etc., but I think rather than a bra this might be better marketed as a bikini. It would be perfect for hot summer days at the beach. Get a tan and cook some bacon, all at the same time!

Bacon Knows Best

Looking for something to hold all your favorite bacon recipes, your tax documents, your latest book report, your TPS reports (w/cover sheet please), or something else of importance? Here's something that might just take care of you -- WWBD?!

It's a folder! It's a decision maker! It's entertainment! It's smarter and more functional than that stupid Magic 8-Ball you have sitting on your shelf! What would bacon do?

Week 13: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 3/29/2008 11:45:09 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TRACEY	112
TOM	110
WILLIAM	102
BOB	100
TEDD	96
MEG	84
CHRISTINE	81
DESTINY	66
MIKE	66
JESS	56
MATT	54
LORI	50
MICHELLE	50
PAUL	42
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Fashion Doesn't Lie

Available on T-shirts and on aprons:
Get one for yourself (and one for me while you are at it) here: http://www.dieselsweeties.com/shirts/baconisavegetable/

Proof of What We Already Know

A article of interest was sent to me by BC '08 participant, Matt N. of Chicago, IL via Somers, NY.: http://www.theledger.com/article/20080320/NEWS/803200391/1326

First comment I'd like to make is that it seems that we picked a good year to do this challenge. Bacon is all the rage (obviously at least partially due to us) in '08.

My second comment is that I think the quoted Sharon Boggs is backing up Dr. Todd's assessment that eating all this bacon is A-OK. As a matter of fact, I think Ms. Boggs is telling us to get eatin':

Sharon Boggs, a registered dietitian at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center: "I'd say you can have one or two pieces two or three times per week, matched with other low-fat foods."

Hope the Easter Bunny was good to everyone. Remember, spiral cut ham does not count towards your bacon intake.

Week 12: Standings

Below are the current Bacon Challenge standings queried 3/22/2008 11:55:24 PM:

BACONTARIAN	BACON STRIP COUNT
TRACEY	112
WILLIAM	98
TEDD	94
BOB	94
TOM	93
CHRISTINE	72
MEG	66
DESTINY	62
MIKE	57
JESS	56
MATT	54
LORI	50
PAUL	42
MICHELLE	39
BALL	35
MICHAEL	13
DAVE	11
ANDREW	10
GARY	9
CHRISTOPHER	7

Mr. Bacon ... The Rambo of Food Heroes

Is there really any question who would win this battle?

Monsieur Tofu looks all sophisticated and wily with his Monsieur and his moustache and his monocle, but even if he cheats (as I suspect he does) he'll never win. NEVER!

I want my lolly!

First bacon salt, now maple-bacon lollipops:

Week 11: Standings

The century mark has been achieved. Nicely done, Tracey!

Tracey - 106
Bob - 94
Tom - 93
WJR - 93
Tedd - 92
Christine - 72
Meg - 66
Mike - 57
Destiny - 57
Jess - 56
Lori - 50
Matt - 50
Paul - 42
Michelle - 32
Ball - 28
Michael - 13
Dave - 11
Andrew - 10
Gary - 9
Christopher - 7

Bowl Me Over

A co-worker of mine who is not a Bacon Challenge participant, but hears about it aplenty, sent me a link to some strips of bacon multi-tasking like we all wish we could: http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/02/27/bacon-cups/

They're bowls. They're a meal. They're delicious.

Week 10: Standings

Week 10, or X as the Romans might say.

Bob - 91
Tracey - 88
Tom - 87
WJR - 84
Tedd - 83
Meg - 64
Christine - 57
Jess - 56
Destiny - 51
Lori - 50
Mike - 47
Matt - 46
Paul - 42
Michelle - 32
Ball - 28
Michael - 13
Dave - 11
Andrew - 10
Gary - 9
Christopher - 7

Notes:

1. Jess? One word: irresponsible
2. I know this is a challenge, not a race, but you bottom five? Come on. You're better than this.

Move Over Orange Juice, There's A New Breakfast Beverage In Town

I received this nice e-mail the other day from a fan of the Bacon Challenge:

As an avid follower of the Bacon Challenge I thought I would send you this link...enjoy..

http://tastybooze.com/2008/03/bacon-vodka-nutricious-and-delicious

-DCD (Derik)

At first glance I thought that yet another company is trying to make a quick buck by preying on people's love of bacon with a product that will probably suck. But then I read on and realized that rather than just some pre-packaged bacon flavored vodka, it's actually a recipe for making your own vodka infused with bacon's porkly goodness.

Thanks for that, Derik. A stranger, yet looking out for everyone's best interest. You can't complain about that! I'll be sure to make some of this for my half-year bacon party that I am planning in my head. Maybe some bacon vodka martinis? Or bacon vodka bloody marys? I don't know really. The possibilities seem pretty vast.

I'll be sure to write up an update if I (or anyone else I know) actually makes this happen.

Week 9: Standings

Just in case you are wondering where you fall in the one slice a day pace department, we're 64 days into this thing. Get baconing!

And check it out ... Bob is approaching the century mark:

Bob - 91
Tracey - 88
Tom - 87
Tedd - 77
WJR - 74
Christine - 57
Jess - 56
Lori - 50
Meg - 47
Mike - 47
Destiny - 43
Matt - 38
Paul - 34
Michelle - 32
Ball - 19
Michael - 13
Dave - 11
Andrew - 10
Gary - 9
Christopher - 7

How did I miss this?

It appears that there is a bacon eating contest today at the following bar located at Inman Square in Cambridge, MA:

Atwood's Tavern

Here's an listing in Boston.com "Things To Do": Bacon Contest

Too bad registration is closed, cause I would have put on my snow shoes and hiked down the Pike to get some tastey hot bacon.