Southern Fare
Crisp Bacon Brings Sweet Memories A Tribute to Phil Schmidt
S
ometimes old friends cross your mind. Those moments bring a smile and you remember them for the things they loved or did. In 2011 I met a fellow who won my heart the minute he walked through my door. He had a story about losing his wife and planting a memorial garden in her honor. A sucker for a love story my heart was moved by the tears that edged over the rim of his sad eyes. He spoke of her with such love. I could see that the garden was his tribute, his amends for all of his regrets, and what was keeping him going. He talked of planting hundreds of rose bushes, tulips, blooming shrubs. He had decorated the garden with sculptures and heart shaped rocks. A path led through the garden to the pond with a gazebo sitting beside it. I shared his story and we ran an update a couple years later as he continued to plant in her honor. Phil Schmidt was one of the finest fellows I’ve ever met. He joined a prayer group and made some really good friends. He came to know Jesus through these connections and at 87 years old he came to my office to tell me, again with tears that he had been saved. I loved him even more that day because I know
I’ll see him in paradise one day. One of my favorite memories of Phil was when his friends threw a birthday party for him. The party was on the porch at Cupboard Cafe in Dillard. Billy Johnson was a friend of Phil’s and he went all out preparing his favorite food in a plethora of tasty ways. How many ways can you fix bacon? Well just ask Billy. We had cupcakes with bacon, chocolate dipped
bacon and a dozen or more dishes in celebration of Phil. No one had a better laugh than Phil did. When he laughed his whole face laughed and tears usually surfaced. That day we had such a nice time and loved being with him. This bacon lovers tribute to my friend doesn’t celebrate anything more than a friendship I’ll never forget. So without further adeu… let’s try some new bacon recipes!
Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash … Not just a breakfast recipe! This delicious dish can be breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner! A skillet full of golden potatoes, fried in a small amount of oil OR baked (your choice), followed closely with more crispy-ness in the form of bacon, with scallions coming in third to add another layer of flavor, and THEN as if that wasn’t enough, melted mozzarella cheese! 24 oz potatoes, (about 4 medium-sized), scrubbed clean and peeled 2 tablespoons olive oil, (or coconut oil) 7 oz diced bacon 2 scallions or spring onions trimmed and finely sliced 4 large eggs 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar) Cracked pepper to season Dice potatoes into small 3/4-inch cubes. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet or pan over medium heat. Fry the potatoes in the hot oil and cook while stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 20 minutes). To speed up cooking time, cover pan with a lid, checking the potatoes every 4-5 minutes or so to stir them (this takes about 15 minutes). Add the bacon pieces to the pan and fry while stirring occasionally 28 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - April 2022
for 10 minutes, until crisp. The potatoes will be golden with crisp edges, while soft on the inside. Add the spring onions; stir them through and season with pepper (optional). Using a wooden spoon or spatula, make four wells in the hash, crack an egg into each well and arrange the mozzarella around each egg. Fry until the whites are set and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve immediately.
