Bacon, Bourbon & Black Pepper Bow Ties

By á-49310

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound pepper bacon, apple-wood smoked if available
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, chopped
• Salt & pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 small honeycrisp apple, peeled & chopped [optional]
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 pound farfalle
• grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Ad oil & bacon, brown until crisp; remove to paper towel lined plate to drain.
Add butter to the pan and melt; reduce heat to medium-low and add onions.
Season with a little salt & pepper, ground thyme and bay leaf; cook until light caramel in color - about 15 minutes.
Add apples [if using] and cook 10 minutes more.
Add bourbon to pan and let evaporate.
Add chicken stock and remove bay leaf, reduce heat to low.

To a pot of boiling water, add salt and cook pasta to al dente. Add a little starchy cooking water to the onions and drain pasta.
Add to the skillet and combine with bacon and onions, adjust seasoning and serve topped with cheese.