Bacon Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

1/2 pound Fantasma's Finest Sugar Cured Smoked Bacon

2-3 tablespoons reserved bacon fat

1 cup popcorn kernels

A few shakes of Excalibur Sweet & Sassy Garlic Pepper (available in our retail store)

Cook bacon by whatever method you prefer until it is crisp. Strain the bacon fat into a clean container; you will have more than you need for this recipe. Place bacon strips on a paper towel to blot any excess grease and allow to cool. Slice strips into bite-size pieces; set aside.

Add bacon fat to the bottom of a Dutch oven or a stovetop popcorn popper and warm the fat over medium heat until it returns to liquid. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels, place the lid on the pan and wait for them to pop.

Remove the lid and add the remaining kernels. Cover the pan with the lid and allow corn to pop, shaking slightly every 30 seconds so it does not burn, and until the popping sounds cease.

Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully remove the lid and season the hot popcorn with the seasoning blend, add bacon pieces and serve while hot, although it also tastes good cold!

Wagyu Cheeseburger Deluxe

Makes 2 burgers

1 pound (2 8-ounce patties) Fantasma's Finest Wagyu Beef Patties

1 pound Fantasma's Finest Shoulder Bacon

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/4 teaspoon oregano

Splash of white wine

Pepper, to taste

2 slices smoked Gouda cheese

2 eggs

2 high-quality hamburger buns

Lettuce leaves

Boys Grow Jalapeño Mustard (available in the retail store)

In a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, cook shoulder bacon to desired done-ness, reserve fat in the pan.

Sauté mushrooms in the bacon fat over low heat with salt, thyme and oregano until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn brown and tender; add a splash of white wine toward the end of the cooking time, about 5-7 minutes; set aside but keep warm.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Meanwhile, turn the heat up under the skillet. Season burgers with salt and pepper and sear both sides of the burgers making sure not to crowd them in the pan. Place the burgers on an oven griddle pan, place in oven, and finish cooking until the burgers register 160° F. on a meat thermometer. Two minutes before the burgers arrive at the desired temp, add a slice of cheese to each burger and allow to melt. Remove burgers from the oven and allow to rest.

As the burger cooks, return to the skillet and fry two eggs sunny side up.

To assemble: Split buns, layer bottom half with lettuce greens, a slice of bacon, a cheeseburger patty, top with mushrooms and finish with a well-seasoned fried egg, add mustard to top bun. Enjoy!

Paradise Brats & Local Beer Flight

Fantasma's Finest Brats

KC Bier Co. Kolsch

Fantasma's Finest Habanero Mango Brats

Ivey and Fields Pilsner

Fantasma's Finest Asiago Chive with Mozzarella

Vine Street Brewing Co. Maris American Pale Ale

Fantasma's Finest Apple Brats

Martin City Belgian Style Abbey Ale