Over at Ridiculously Inconsistent Trickle of Consciousness Clark ponders the pointlessness of a few pretentious foods.
“Applewood smoked bacon – What. In the hell. Is that. Note to people who eat stuff: when it comes to fruit that grows on trees, it’s the fruit that tastes like fruit, not the branches. I wouldn’t cook wienies over a fire from burning orange tree branches and expect a hot dog to taste like a Mimosa. So why would I expect apple wood to alter the flavor of bacon? Do you know any bacon enthusiasts who have any complaints about how bacon tastes? Of course not! They love it because it tastes like bacon!”
Definitely check out the rest here.
OK…I’ve wondered the same thing, but somehow when I hear “Applewood Smoked Bacon” it sounds more delicious. Doesn’t taste any different, but it’s the fancy name that evokes the saliva to start frothing as I picture bacon…but the real difference in bacon is the crispiness vs. rubberiness. Crispy is always better!
I’m with you on the crispiness, but I wonder about the smoke not adding any flavor. Doesn’t smoking something with hickory, and something with cedar provide different flavors? Maybe applewood is not about the fruit flavor, but the unique flavor of apple wood.