Part 3/7:
Before that, however, there's a crucial step: frying bacon. The chef emphasizes the importance of using a cast iron skillet for bacon—a favorite for its superior heat distribution and flavor. The bacon frying process encounters some setbacks, including dealing with less-than-ideal bacon and the frustration of a greasy mess, but the humor persists throughout.
Building the Soup Base
With bacon crisped and set aside, the rendered bacon grease becomes the foundation for sautéing the onions and celery. Seasonings are added thoughtfully; the chef mentions chili powder and pepper, knowing the importance of seasoning layers in developing depth of flavor. The process requires patience—stirring, avoiding burns, and careful attention to prevent any 'ruined' batches by bottom-scorching.