Happy 2012! New Year's Review and a Recipe: Browning's Country Bacon

Happy New Year from New York! My husband Craig and I had a wonderful time last week visiting family and friends in my home state of Oklahoma. It was so good coming home. We went way down in the holler to celebrate an Old-Fashioned Country Christmas with family, no cell phone or internet while we were in the holler. It was way too short of a visit, and we can't wait to go back again. When we drove past the "Mulebarn and Social Club" on Highway 10, I knew I was home!

New Year's Eve, there were no airport delays whatsoever on our flights back to New York. Talk about happiness in the new year, and the word "bacon" certainly comes to mind. Recently, Browning's Country Ham in Kentucky sent me some wonderful country bacon to cook with in my kitchen.

I created this breakfast casserole recipe with some lightened-up ingredients to start the new year off right. Instead of using potatoes or regular sandwich bread, I love the texture of light English muffins. I am a big fan of Old Bay seasoning and the flavor kick it can give dishes. If you do not have any Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute one teaspoon of paprika and as always, the regular versions of the ingredients will work fine in the recipe.

My husband and I loved the fact that this bacon freezes well and maintains such delicious flavor after being frozen. You can find more information about Browning's country bacon and their other products on their website here .

The Southern Fried Husband and I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Happy 2012!

"The Southern Fried Bride's Sunshine Casserole"

•1 package 6-count light English muffins, sliced and cubed

•2 cups reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese

•1 pound Browning's Country Bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

•8 Eggland's Best eggs, beaten

•2 cups skim milk

•1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Slice English muffins into cubes and place evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over mixture. Sprinkle bacon over mixture. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and seasoning. Pour over mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 45-50 minutes until top is lightly browned. Cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: Browning's Country Ham provided me with a 2 lb. package of their Country Bacon for the purpose of my honest review. The opinions expressed in this blog post are my own. I was in no way financially compensated by Browning's Country Ham for this review.