Pigs In Blanket. Fred. Linsley. Recipe

Pigs in Blanket Recipe

History:
The dish known as "Pigs in Blanket" has a long and varied history across different cultures. One of the earliest recorded recipes for a similar dish can be found in ancient Roman cookbooks, where they prepared small sausages wrapped in pastry dough and baked them until golden brown. In Medieval times, a similar preparation was made using leftover meats and was known as "Meat Hedgehogs."

The modern version of Pigs in Blanket, which involves wrapping cocktail sausages in bacon, is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This variation quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, versatility, and delightful combination of flavors.

Fun Facts:
1. Pigs in a Blanket are a popular party appetizer and are commonly served at tailgating events, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
2. The name "Pigs in Blanket" refers to the sausage being wrapped in a "blanket" of bacon.
3. In the United Kingdom, Pigs in Blanket typically refers to sausages wrapped in bacon, whereas in the United States it refers to sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough.
4. Variations of Pigs in Blanket can be found around the world, including sausage rolls in Australia and New Zealand and chipolatas wrapped in bacon in the UK.
5. Pigs in Blanket can also be made using other types of protein, such as cheese-stuffed jalapenos or shrimp wrapped in bacon.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Pigs in Blanket, Fred Linsley style!

Ingredients:
- 24 extra select oysters
- 12 slices of nice thin bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Make sure the coals are hot and ready.

2. Start by cleaning and seasoning the oysters. Rinse the oysters under cold water to remove any debris or dirt. Pat them dry using a paper towel.

3. Season the oysters with a little salt and pepper. Be mindful of the saltiness of the bacon, so use salt sparingly.

4. Take each slice of bacon and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place one oyster at the edge of each bacon slice.

5. Roll the oysters tightly in the bacon, ensuring that the bacon completely surrounds the oyster. This will create a "blanket" effect.

6. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon-wrapped oyster, piercing it at both ends to hold the bacon in place. Make sure to leave the toothpick in during cooking.

7. If grilling, you can either lay the bacon-wrapped oysters directly on a broiler or fasten them onto a meat fork and hold them over the coals. If broiling, place them on a broiling pan or rack.

8. Cook the bacon-wrapped oysters over the hot coals or under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and brown. Turn them occasionally to cook them evenly.

9. Once the bacon is crisp and brown, remove the Pigs in Blanket from the heat. Be careful as they will be hot.

10. Serve the Pigs in Blanket immediately while they are still piping hot. Arrange them on a serving platter and let your guests enjoy this delicious and savory treat.

Note: Remember to caution your guests about the toothpicks and ensure they remove them before eating.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Sausage Rolls: A popular dish in Australia and New Zealand, sausage rolls are made by wrapping seasoned sausage meat in puff pastry and baking them until golden brown. They are often served as a snack or appetizer.

2. Chipolatas Wrapped in Bacon: In the United Kingdom, chipolatas (small sausages) are frequently wrapped in streaky bacon and roasted until crisp. They are commonly enjoyed as a part of a traditional Christmas meal or as a snack throughout the year.

3. Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos: Another variation of Pigs in Blanket involves stuffing jalapeno peppers with cheese, such as cream cheese or cheddar, and wrapping them in bacon before baking or grilling. The combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon creates an irresistible appetizer.

All of these variations share the concept of wrapping something delicious in bacon, resulting in a mouthwatering and flavorful dish. Whether you choose oysters, sausages, or other ingredients, Pigs in Blanket are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite at any gathering. Enjoy!