I like bacon, but I’m kind of a purist. I don’t particularly like bacon mixed with another meat. This was good, though. Easy, easy to make and great served with mashed potatoes. Jay and Larry weren’t wowed by the salad, but I liked the change, and the strawberries are nice with the goat cheese. The cupcakes have potential. Yet again, I slightly overbaked the cake – it’s a real problem for me with this cookbook.

• Bacon-Seared Salmon with Balsamic, Honey & Rosemary (Fine Cooking #90, January 2008, p. 86a)
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Chives (Fine Cooking #81, November 2006, p. 61)
• Green Salad with Strawberries & Goat Cheese (EatingWell, May/June 2009)
• Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcakes (Baking: From My Home to Yours, p. 215)