You’d know that smell anywhere. It’s the aroma of bacon as it sizzles over the stove. Even vegetarians are hard-pressed to resist the succulent delicacy that is smoky, crispy bacon. In recent years, the ever-popular meat has even become trendy in elite cuisine circles. High-end specialty restaurants are serving novel bacon-related condiments such as jam. There are at least two varieties of bacon-flavored vodka on the market.

But sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics. What could be more comforting than some crisp strips fresh out of  your seasoned cast iron skillet, using your bacon press to keep them flat, served in tandem with scrambled eggs and washed down with some refreshing, fresh-squeezed orange juice? Although bacon isn’t strictly a breakfast food, it is perhaps best enjoyed early in the morning, when its undeniable fragrance awakens the senses.