Name: Molasses-Cured Pork Shoulder Bacon
Cook time: 1 1/4 hours
Total time: 48 1/4 hours (includes curing)
Yield: Makes about 4 1/2 lbs
Ingredients: 1 (4- to 6-lb) boneless pork shoulder Boston roast (Boston butt); 6 cups water; 1 cup kosher salt; 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 1/2 tablespoons Instacure No. 1*; 1/2 cup mild molasses; 3 cups ice cubes; 4 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper (optional); 1- to 2-gallon plastic storage tub or stainless-steel bowl; a 221/2-inch covered kettle grill with a hinged top rack; a 12- by 8- by 2-inch disposable aluminum roasting pan; 3 lb hardwood sawdust*; charcoal briquettes; a chimney starter; long metal tongs; an instant-read thermometer

Pork shoulder bacon may not get quite as crisp as belly bacon, but it has a great taste and a meaty texture. Even if you have a thermometer for your grill, you'll still need an instant-read — the grill thermometer won't register low enough to monitor the cold-smoking.

Cook's notes:

·Bacon keeps, chilled, 1 week, or frozen 2 months.
·As long as you monitor the sawdust as directed, you will probably not need to add more briquettes. If your sawdust does stop burning, however, light more briquettes in same manner and reignite sawdust.
·The preparation for traditional belly bacon is the same as for shoulder bacon, but the curing time is longer because belly is fattier. Halve a 6- to 8-lb belly crosswise and cure 72 hours (3 days). Cold-smoke as for shoulder bacon. Skinless boneless pork belly can be mail-ordered from Niman Ranch (510-808-0340; www.nimanranch.com).

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.