Web Exclusive Round 2 Recipe Tortellini With Caramelized Onion And Bacon

CARAMELIZED BACON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleaning) and place a wire baking rack on top.
• Combine the brown sugar and pecans in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground. Add the salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add the maple syrup and pulse again to moisten the crumbs.
• Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and line up the pieces on the baking rack without touching. With a small spoon, evenly spread the pecan mixture on top of each piece of bacon, using all of the mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is very browned but not burnt. If it's underbaked, the bacon won't crisp as it cools.
• While it's hot, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside to cool. Serve at room temperature. (The caramelized bacon can be made early in the day and stored at room temperature.)

BACON TORTELLINI BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cook tortellini according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes; drain., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan., Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to drippings in pan; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in flour, basil, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat., Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Add tortellini mixture and bacon; toss to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until heated through and broccoli is tender. Freeze option: Sprinkle remaining cheeses over unbaked casserole. Cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

(WEB EXCLUSIVE) ROUND 2 RECIPE: MEXICAN FRIED RICE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, over medium heat, fry the bacon until just crisp. Add the jalapenos and saute until slightly softened. Stir in the Zesty Rice Salad and cook until rice is heated through. Add corn, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Continue to fry on medium heat until corn is cooked and tomatoes are hot. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
• Heat oil over medium heat in a medium sauce pot. Add garlic, and rice and saute for 2 minutes until rice is toasted. Add 2 1/4 cups water, chili seasoning and season with a pinch of salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking sheet and let cool.
• In a large bowl combine onion, yellow pepper, cooled rice, beans, vinegar and cilantro. Mix well and serve.

TORTELLINI WITH CREAMY BACON SAUCE

Steps:

• ADD pasta to large pan of boiling water; Boil uncovered until just tender; Drain.
• HEAT oil in pan, add bacon; Cook, stirring until bacon is crisp; Add onions and tomatoes; Cook stirring until onions are just tender; Remove and reserve half the bacon mixture for serving.
• STIR cream, sour cream, water, cheese and basil into remaining bacon mixture in pan; Stir until heated through.
• COMBINE tortellini and cream mixture; Toss well; Serve sprinkled with reserved bacon mixture.