Go hog wild with this bacon bonanza

Stilton and Bacon Cheesecakes
Serves 6

For the crusts
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers

Grease six 2-inch x 2-inch ring molds with 1 tablespoon of the butter; set molds on a cookie sheet. Melt remaining butter and transfer to a small bowl. Add biscuit crumbs and mix well. Put equal amounts of the crumb mixture into prepared molds, firmly pressing on crumbs to form an even crust at base of molds. Chill crusts in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

For the filling
6 strips bacon, finely diced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces stilton, softened
1/2 cup shelled walnuts, finely chopped (optional)

2 strips cooked bacon, broken into thirds
2 cups mixed young lettuce leaves
1 cup fruit chutney (optional)

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels, saving rendered bacon grease for another use, if you like. Using a fork, mix cheeses together in a medium bowl. Add bacon and walnuts (if using) and stir well. Pack equal amounts of the filling into molds, smoothing tops with the back of a small warm metal spoon. Cover cheesecakes with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.

Run a small knife around inside of molds and slide cheesecakes onto 6 plates, crust side down. Serve cheesecakes at room temperature, garnished with a piece of bacon, with lettuces and chutney (if using) on the side.

MORE FROM FOOD & WINE

Food & Wine Section Front

Joseph Palma’s hearty dishes tempt the senses Drillers seek Scotch lost in Antarctica in 1909 World’s top late-night restaurants Key ingredient in new ‘love dessert’? Viagra Unique stuffings can be Thanksgiving standouts Fabio Viviani’s Italian Thanksgiving stuffing Starbucks Via stirring discontent Gobble it up! Liz Zack’s sweet turkey cupcakes 3 Thanksgiving superfoods you shouldn’t skip What's more important the turkey or the sides? Food & Wine Section Front   Add Food & Wine headlines to your news reader: