These are so easy, it’s almost a non-recipe. Sure, you can complicate matters by making your own dough and cooking bacon from scratch, but for pure instant gratification, this is the way to go. And since we’re celebrating International Bacon Day—a holiday conceived by college students, I believe instant gratification is in keeping with the true spirit of the day.

Ray Lampe, aka "Dr. BBQ" is a competition cook on the barbecue cookoff circuit and the author of four books, including his latest, The NFL Gameday Cookbook. The following is an excerpt from the archives of "Ask Dr. BBQ"

Here’s Ray's version of a competition injection blend. This goes well in a slow cooked pork shoulder.

Think this drink is just a bloody mary with tequila switched for the 
vodka? Well, almost.

The Russians are the true inventors of pepper vodka and they flavor 
their vodka most commonly with cayenne. Any type of small fresh or dried 
chile pepper that will fit in the bottle will work. Be sure to taste it 
often and remove the chiles when it reaches the desired heat--the longer 
the chiles are left in, the hotter the vodka will get! Serving 
Suggestions: Serve over ice or in tomato juice for an “instant” bloody 
mary. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Horseradish is a root, similar to wasabi, and a member of the mustard family. Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root combined with distilled vinegar. It has almost no taste until grated when the cells are crushed to release a volatile oil that produces the “heat.”

The heat of the green chile compliments the flavor of the artichoke hearts in this pasta dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with those of Italy. Serve with a crisp garden salad and garlic toast for a light meatless meal.

Of course we have our own New Mexican version of pesto! It’s a topping for pasta but also can be added to soups, stews, and rice. Although we have specified cilantro in this recipes, you can use the traditional basil or even Italian parsley. Pecans, another New Mexican crop, can be substituted for the piñon nuts.