Kosher Piglets & Other Figlets

My first rendez-vous with Michael Smith was at the imaginary farmers market down the street from my house. He was there with his barrel of oysters and bushels of potatoes, and although he stands a mere 4 foot 6 - I was still able to spot him. He inspired me to many things that day, but what I cherished the most, was the effervescent scent of bacon pie that seemed to linger off him, even past the garlic stand. Just then, my imagination peaked, and I pictured a sundial of bacon strips enveloping a caché of thinly sliced potatoes, Italian sausage and cheese - potates aux gratin if you will - in the oven, semi-covered with a smaller pot lid - at 325° for an hour...or so.