Green Tomato BLT with Fried Cream Corn Pudding topped with Bacon Drizzled in Balsamic Glaze

From Cooking with Paula Deen, Nov/Dec 2009

Ingredients

1. 2 cups vegetable oil
2. 4 large firm green tomatoes, cut into 1⁄4-inch-thick slices
3. 1 teaspoon salt, divided
4. 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
5. 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
6. 4 large eggs
7. 2 tablespoons whole milk
8. 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
9. 1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper
10. 1 (12-ounce) package bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
11. 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears)
12. 1⁄2 cup butter, divided
13. 1 cup Swanson® chicken broth, divided
14. 1⁄2 cup evaporated milk
15. 3 tablespoons Grandma’s® Molasses
16. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
17. 2 (6-ounce) packages fresh spring mix
18. Garnish: thinly sliced green onion

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or fryer, heat oil to 350°.
2. Sprinkle both sides of tomatoes evenly with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper.
3. In a shallow dish, add flour.
4. In a shallow dish, combine eggs and milk, beating lightly.
5. In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs and ground red pepper.
6. Dredge tomatoes in flour to coat. Dip in egg mixture. Dredge in bread crumb mixture to coat. Fry tomatoes, in batches if necessary, for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
7. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet. Add corn and 1⁄4 cup butter. Stir in 3⁄4 cup chicken broth, evaporated milk, remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. Lower heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. In the container of a blender, add corn mixture and remaining 1⁄4 cup butter; process until smooth.
9. In a small saucepan, combine molasses, balsamic vinegar, and remaining 1⁄4 cup chicken broth over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
10. Divide spring mix evenly among 6 plates. Top with desired amount of fried green tomatoes, corn pudding, bacon, and molasses mixture. Garnish with green onion, if desired.