Michael Symons Bacon Noodle Surprise Recipes

CABBAGE AND NOODLES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add a film of oil along with the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and caramelize, 2 to 3 minutes. Move the onions to one side of the pan, and then add the butter, cabbage and a pinch of salt. Cook until everything is caramelized and softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock. Simmer this mixture until the cabbage is cooked through and the liquid has reduced, about 5 minutes.
• In the meantime, drop your pasta. Cook at a gentle boil for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Then drain and add to the cabbage mixture. Gently fold in the parsley and sour cream and serve immediately, adding black pepper and a drizzle of oil.

HOMEMADE BACON

Steps:

• Rinse the pork belly and pat dry. Transfer to a resealable 2-gallon plastic bag. To make the spice rub, mix the kosher salt, pink salt, brown sugar, honey, red pepper flakes, paprika and cumin in a bowl. Coat the pork belly all over with the mixture.
• Close the bag and refrigerate 7 to 10 days, flipping once a day, until the pork belly feels firm. It should take 7 days for a thin belly that is about 11/2 inches thick, longer for a belly that's 2 to 3 inches thick.
• Remove the pork belly from the bag, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Refrigerate the belly on a rack, uncovered, 48 hours.
• Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions using applewood chips, and set to 200 degrees F. Smoke the pork belly 3 hours, or until the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees F.
• Remove the rind (optional), then slice and cook as desired. To store, wrap the bacon in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.
• Pink curing salt is a mix of salt and sodium nitrite. It keeps the meat pink and protects it from bacteria. You can find it at specialty food stores or online.