TV Chef Ingrid Hoffman Talks About Bacon

Miami-based celebrity Chef Ingrid Hoffmann has a flair for Latin cooking, and is a especially famous in the Spanish-language entertainment world. Known for her Food Network, “Simply Delicioso,” which filmed in Miami Beach, (her home for more than 25 years), Chef Hoffmann also hosted  her own Spanish-language cooking show, “Delicioso,” on Galavision/Univision.  Also under her belt, a month culinary column for People en Español,  her own cookware kitchen accessories lines, and has a best-selling cookbook, Simply Delicioso: A Collection of Everyday Recipes with a Latin Twist.

Now, this “professional eater” is prepared to give an instructional class at Coral Gables’ Swine on Tuesday, August 2nd.  The topic? Bacon, the chef’s best friend and foodie favorite. Expect cooking demos, bacon-infused cocktails and delicious bites.

HL: Why do chefs love to use bacon in the kitchen?
IH: Bacon is such a great ingredient because it instantly enhances the flavors and textures of any recipe, and it’s versatile enough to be incorporated into a variety of dishes. For instance, I love to use Smithfield bacon to add a natural, smoky flavor to my BLT Jibarito with Chipotle Mayo, and it also adds a delicious crunch to my Mojo Pulled Pork & Bacon Sliders.

HL: What is the biggest misconception about bacon?
IH: The biggest misconception about bacon is that it’s only part of a traditional breakfast, but it’s actually the perfect addition to any meal, at any time of day! From sandwiches to salads, or drinks and desserts, there are endless ways to enjoy the savory flavor of bacon. You can even make a bacon jam to use anytime you’re craving bacon, but don’t have the time to prepare it – I love to spread it on savory items like a baked brie to serve as an appetizer, or even with something as simple as my toast in the mornings.

HL: What kinds of things are you going to teach in this bacon workshop?
IH: During the Bacon Workshop event at Swine Southern Table & Bar, I’m partnering with Smithfield to showcase the flavor, convenience and versatility of bacon. I’m going to demonstrate two of my favorite, quick and easy Latin-inspired recipes, and we’ll also have an interactive bacon rub station with a variety of spices and seasonings, where I’ll teach guests how to create their own custom blend. We’re serving up some delectable bacon bites including my Guava Bacon Tequenos, as well as bacon-infused cocktails!

HL: You’re going to be using Smithfield bacon in this. Why are they great and who are some other purveyors you like using?
IH: I source from a variety of local purveyors too, but if you’re shopping for recipes to prepare at home, Smithfield is a great option because they have such a variety of high-quality pork products.  Smithfield has a long heritage of smoking and curing fine meats to perfection, which gives their bacon a rich flavor that can only be attained by this unique natural smoking process.