Crispy Cheddar Cakes with Bacon

http://www.marthastewart.com/312954/crispy-cheddar-cakes-with-bacon?center=276958&gallery=275554&slide=261684

Martha Stewart Living, August 2004

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yield Makes about 12 cakes
Serves 4

Ingredients

8 slices bacon
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 scallions, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if necessary (optional)

Directions

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off fat into a bowl. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel; set aside.
Stir together cheese, sour cream, bell pepper, scallions, flour, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, cayenne, and egg yolks in a large bowl; set aside. In another large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold beaten egg whites into reserved batter.
Heat 2 tablespoons reserved fat (or vegetable oil) in skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 3 or 4, pour 2 tablespoons batter into skillet for each cake; cook, turning once, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes (add more fat or oil if skillet seems dry). Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with reserved bacon.