(food in the news)

Bacon Tempura.
I think Steph will truly appreciate this if she sees it. Last night I was watching an episode of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" - a new show on Food Network. The theme of this episode was: Totally Fried. One segment especially caught my attention, featuring the Red Cat in NYC. Bacon Tempura. Ted Allen introduces his fried favorite, stressing what a treat it is, but only to be eaten on special occasions so the cholesterol doesn't kill you. Can you imagine? Bacon tempura. Frankly, the thought of it makes me want to cough up oil and fat...though I'm sure one innocent little bite would be pretty satisfying, and hopefully not filled with too much guilt and regret.
(notice the dish in the bottom left corner of the picture...those two long brown things are the bacon tempura)

In case you're interested in making your very own bacon tempura, here's the recipe featured in this article:

4 egg whites

3 cups all purpose flour

2 1/3 cups cold club soda

½ gallon canola oil

12 pieces thick-sliced apple wood bacon

Salt to taste

In a large bowl whip egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold into egg whites the flour and the club soda. In a 4-qt. Pot heat oil to 425 degrees. Batter the bacon slices and carefully drop into hot oil a few slices at a time. Do not overcrowd oil as it will overflow and bacon will cook unevenly. Once the bacon is golden brown, remove from oil using a slotted spoon, lightly salt.

Serve 2 slices fried bacon onto of about 2 oz of grilled corn or other seasonal salad garnished with chipotle aioli and 2 lime wedges.

http://www.redcatrestaurants.com/reviews.php?pub=79&t=article&rest=redcat