By Mike Thayer

Tired of burgers and chicken nuggets?

Just take a look at the picture on the right, Cottage Bacon, an excellent change of pace meat, a great way to cure your meal doldrums...  Yes, pun intended....  'cure'....

If you're not familiar with Cottage Bacon, it's cured pork shoulder, sliced thin.  It's leaner than bacon and the flavor elements carry both ham and bacon notes.  It fries up really well without shrinking too much and it's great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Also excellent prepared on the grill, it's fantastic with eggs, excellent on a sandwich, pairs really well with potatoes.  Here's an easy peasy recipe for a quick sandwich:

CBLT (Cottage Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato)

Ingredients:

• 2-3 slices of Cottage Bacon
• 2 slices of Swiss Cheese
• Lettuce
• 2 slices of tomato
• One bun
• Melted garlic butter
• Mayo
• Mustard
• A splash of Olive oil (if pan frying)
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Pan fry the Cottage Bacon over medium heat (a VERY nice alternative is to grill it, over direct heat), about 2-3 minutes per side.  Hit it with the black pepper.  While that's cooking, brush the bun with melted garlic butter and toast.  Dress the toasted bun with mayo on the bottom bun, mustard on the top, put on the lettuce and tomato.  After flipping the Cottage Bacon, put on the Swiss Cheese to melt.  Put the meat on the bun and ENJOY!

This Cottage Bacon cost me about $7 at Yoder Meats, THE best butcher in town.  I've got enough meat here for 3 meals, that breaks down to about $2.33 per meal.  That's Bachelor on the Cheap Friendly and the taste is great!  If you're not already a Cottage Bacon fan, you'll become one!

For more great recipes go to www.grillinggoodeats.com