Bacon Roses Tutorial is here!!!!

OH HOW FUN THIS WAS! 

These lovely 'flowers' would make an awesome centerpiece anytime, and they're great for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries with.

YOU.CAN.EAT.THEM!!

I know some of you saw the photo of our bacon roses that I posted on Facebook while hubby and I were away celebrating our 45th anniversary.  We went to visit dear TN friends who spend the winter in Florida, and were able to stay in a camper in the same RV park.  We had a blast! and enjoyed our time there immensely.  Can't wait to go back next year! Feel like we have a new family away from our own. 

(Stay tuned for a few more t-shirt scarf/tote tutorials..per request, I taught the gals in the park FIVE times...in two weeks time! WHAT.A.KICK!) 

I've been asked to share a tutorial of these pretty 'flowers' and have had fun putting this post together. 

Because I was using a gas oven and not the electric I have at home, and the microwave I used was tiny, I can't say for sure about baking time for this recipe, but I have no doubt, YOU CAN DO THIS!  It's really very simple and I was so pleased with the results. 

I can't say just whose recipe I used because I kinda did my own thing.

I did take my muffin cups and papers with me to be sure I had them, but this was certainly the first time I'd tried making these. 

Have I said how pleased I was with how they turned out!?  *-*

I have seen all kinds of ideas around the net for making these yummy 'flowers'. 

One gal even drilled holes in the bottom of each of her mini muffin cups so the grease could drain down into another pan.  I've seen different kinds of fake flowers used, and even celery for the greens. (they put toothpicks through the bottom of the bacon flowers...used the leaves from the heart of the celery, stood it up and tucked the bacon in...it was cute..and all edible!) 

If you notice in the photo below, because I didn't have a vase, I just stuck the stem of the flowers into the middle of the full paper towel roll.  But you can add marbles to a vase and 'plant' your flowers in the vase to make for a special touch..  

I made the roses a couple of days ahead and stored them in a covered dish in the fridge, then just microwaved them a bit and put them on the fake stems while hubby was gone for a little while. 

I used thick sliced bacon, using 2 slices for one rose, but made them again for our friend's granddaughter, Lydia, who was visiting them. using thin sliced.  She LOVES pork, especially bacon.  Both turned out nicely, the thick bacon just makes for a bigger flower.

You can also use one strip of bacon for each roll too.  I suggest doing that if using mini muffin pans. (I've seen tutorials using no papers too). 

And there are so many kinds of bacon to choose from..not only the cut, but there's 'low sodium', 'hickory smoked', 'maple flavored' 'turkey bacon', etc. etc. Use what you want (though I'm not sure turkey bacon would work for this?). 

HOW ABOUT CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON?  I just might have to dip the flowers in chocolate the next time around.  YOWZA!!!

OK...onto the instructions.

This is what you'll need. 

bacon (thick or thin sliced)

'bouquet' of fake flowers

regular or mini muffin pan

cupcake papers

Preheat oven to 375*. 

After placing 2 muffin papers in each muffin cup (I made 5 flowers with 1/2# bacon and had a few pieces of bacon left over)...

#1 - remove flowers from stems

(I suggest swishing the green part in soapy water, then rinsing

and drying before adding flowers)

#2 - on clean surface, roll two slices of bacon (just as they lay in the package...one higher than the other - the 'higher' piece being on the outside of the roll)

#3 - place them, fat side down, into the muffin cup. 

#4 - After baking for about 35+ minutes, I removed them from the papers with a fork, placing the grease and papers into a disposable container to throw out. 

#5 - Place the roses on paper towels on a plate and if needed, microwave a couple of minutes longer to get a crisper end result.  (That helps draw out the fat too.)

When cool, just place roses on stems - 

WALA!!! 

Refrigerate until ready to 'serve'. 

I hope you have half as much fun as we did with this great idea!!! 

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