December 8, 2008
From: Chef Andy Arndt, Elaine Bell Catering, Napa, CA.
1 side fresh bacon, approximately 5 lb.
1 gallon citrus brine (recipe follows)
as needed, orange chips (recipe follows)
as needed, grilled spring onions
as needed, fresh avocado sauce (recipe follows)
as needed, black Hawaiian sea salt
1 qt. pork braising liquid, reduced to sauce consistency
Citrus Brine:
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ gallon cold water
1 cup ice
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup black peppercorns
3 oranges, sliced thin
1 Tbsp. chili flakes
5 cloves garlic, smashed
Braising Liquid:
1 gallon veal stock
1 lb. mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions)
1 bunch thyme
1 bunch parsley
5 Tbsp. black peppercorns
1 cup orange juice
3 large tomatoes, cut in half
Orange Chips:
1 orange
Fresh Avocado Sauce:
3 California Hass Avocados
2 cloves garlic, roasted and pureed until smooth
1 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
to taste, salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. xantham gum
1 tsp. powdered vitamin C
For citrus brine: combine all ingredients and whisk until salt and sugar are dissolved; place in large plastic container. Place fresh bacon into the brine and refrigerate for 24-48 hours. Remove from brine and set in refrigeration to air-dry for 12 hours. Discard brine.
For braising liquid: Pour ½ cup olive oil into large rondo and bring to high heat. Add vegetables and sauté until browned. Add orange juice and reduce until dry. Add veal stock and bring to a simmer; add herbs, peppercorns and tomatoes.
For bacon: Separately, sear bacon in a second rondo. Pour ½ cup oil and bring to high heat. Pat bacon dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown bacon on both sides until dark and golden. Remove browned bacon and add to braising liquid. Cover the bacon and cook in a convection oven at 300°F until tender (3 to 5 hours).
Leave finished bacon in braising liquid to cool; refrigerate. When cool, remove bacon and cut in 2” square blocks. Bring braising liquid to a boil and reduce to sauce consistency.
For orange chips: On a slicer or by hand, slice 1 orange paper-thin. Lay flat on silpat tray or nonstick surface. Bake in 100°F oven until crispy on one side. Flip and repeat the process until all chips are crisp. Remove from heat and let cool on paper towel-covered plate.
For fresh avocado sauce: Blend avocado and garlic until smooth; add vinegar, salt and pepper and mix again. Remove from blender to a bowl. Whisk in xantham gum and Vitamin C. Let set, and add cold water for consistency. Refrigerate until needed.
To plate the dish: Per order, heat one square fresh bacon in braising liquid. Brush 2 pieces of green garlic with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill. When bacon is hot, remove and reduce the remaining liquid to sauce consistency.
On a plate or in a shallow bowl, fashion the grilled spring onions into an off-center wreath. Place the bacon on top of the green onions and spoon the avocado sauce around the plate. Make a deep well on one side the 2 Tbsp. of the avocado sauce. Finish the dish with 3 Tbsp. braising liquid. Garnish with 3-4 orange chips and black Hawaiian sea salt.
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