Today was one of those days that I didn’t have time to go to the store and I had some things I needed to use up. Which often becomes my best work. So….I wanted comfort and savory.
- 6-10 slices of hickory smoked bacon (only YOU know how much bacon you need….or want….or both…)
- 1 package jiffy cornbread mix
- 2\3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1\2 cup milk ( take your pick, I used skim)
- 1 large onion, sliced in rings to caramelize
- 2-3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (honestly, this was my first attempt with this creation, I would MAYBE double up on my apples next time)
- 1\2 cup blue cheese crumbles (but I didn’t use it all, so use your own judgement)
I did my onions first. Here is my super easy simply way to make that happen:
Slice them as thinly as you’d like and make sure to separate the layers so all slices are evenly caramelized. I usually do this with a fork though as I stir them. Heat a couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Keep the heat low, you don’t need to brown it. Good caramelized onions take some patience. Add a little salt and pepper to them. About five minutes in add a tablespoon of sugar. Cook at low heat for another 20 minutes or so. They should get nice and golden.
You can remove them from heat at this point and start the rest.
Preheat your oven to 400F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Cook your bacon in your preferred method. Personally, I like the microwave because I like mine even and crispy. Place it on paper towels to cool and reserve your bacon drippings in a cup. You will need it later.
Combine your cornbread mix, flour, egg, paprika, and milk. Stir to form a dough. I used my hands to get it nice and blended. Divide into two portions.
Now make two balls out of your dough. Press them into circles and push it out extra on the edges so you can fold it onto the apples in the next couple of steps.
Layer half your onions in the bottom.
Then arrange your apple slices.
And ‘fold’ your edge in a bit.
Brush the crust and apples with your reserved bacon drippings. (Helllllllloooo, Paula Deen). Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with your desired amount of bacon and blue cheese. Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes or until it looks golden brown around the edges.
These were delicious. We cut them in half and paired with a salad. Some other ideas would be: drizzle with honey, add some chives for green color.