Bacon, Linguine and Tomato Pasta with Blue Cheese

1 T butter
2 T chopped shallots
1 1/2 tsp chopped garlic
1 1/4 c whipping cream
2 T chopped fresh parsley
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

12 ounces linguine

4 slice bacon chopped
4 medium tomatoes peeled, seeded and copped
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
1 c freshly grated parmesan
1/3 c crumbled blue cheese

Melt 1 T butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauce until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in cream, parsley, oregano and basil. Simmer until sauce is reduced to 1 cup, about 3 minutes. ( can be prepared a day ahead). Cook linguine in pot of boiling salted water. Boil until tender and drain.
In a skillet, cook chopped bacon till browned and add chopped tomatoes. Next, add the bacon and tomatoes to the drained linguine. Add sauce to the linguine and place on a platter/bowl. Stir in cilantro and top with cheeses.

Peaches, Bacon and Blue cheese

I LOVE THIS! I had to share this with you. Bacon seems to be on so many lists and I really like food that is more pure and simple in taste. so, this recipe is adapted from Pillsbury's Peach and Bacon Bites.
I wanted to do something a little different for the holiday. I came up with the idea because of a desire to do something with bacon. And I discovered that all bacons do not bake the same. I knew that but when started rolling these, I wish I had 3 different kinds of bacon.



What was key in making these was to microwave the bacon so it's partially cooked through but still pliable. I did that. Then I took a small slice of blue cheese, a wedge of nectarine, with the skin on. I left the skin on because it was too slippery without it.



I put the small slice of blue cheese in the cavity of the nectarine and wrapped the half baked bacon around it. As you can see in the picture, a fatty piece of bacon curls too much and makes it more difficult to eat the item, neatly.

I made these before the holiday weekend and kept them in the fridge. And, I forgot about them! So much commotion, so much heat and so much to do these little things were forgotten. As the refrigerator emptied, I found these little surprises! That was like finding $20 in a pocket! So preheated the oven to 350 and when it was ready, I popped them in. I baked them till they were a little more baked, about another 12 minutes. They had to cool a little before enjoying. I shall probably make them again with a different kind of bacon.

Here is the recipe:

2 nectarines, cut into wedges ( approximately 12 pieces)
2 oz. blue cheese, cut into smaller slivers to fit nectarine cavity
12 strips of bacon
Preheat oven to 350.
Microwave bacon for 2-4 minutes depending on your power level. You want the bacon to be pliable.
Lay a nectarine wedge on a plate. Put a slice of blue cheese in the center of the nectarine wedge. Take a partially baked bacon strip and wrap it around the nectarine. Hold in place with a toothpick. Continue doing this with all the slices.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes. Cool before eating.