Bacon Butter

Step 1

Chop the bacon in 1/2-inch pieces with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.

Step 3

In a small skillet, heat the unpeeled garlic cloves over medium heat until they just start to brown, about 6 minutes. Turn over and continue cooking until garlic is fragrant and soft, about 10 minutes total. When the garlic cloves are cool enough to handle, remove the peels and chop the garlic finely.

Step 4

Put the cooked bacon, softened butter, reserved bacon fat, chopped roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese and pepper in the bowl of a food processor.

Step 5

Process until bacon is chopped up and mixture is blended. Use a spatula to redistribute any excess mixture from the sides of the food processor bowl, and pulse one or two more times until blended.

Step 6

Adjust seasonings if necessary, and spread into a serving dish. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.