Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

The largest Sweet Onions in town can be found at Tanaka Farms.  Continuing our report about our recent visit to Tanaka Farms — In addition to the Strawberries, we took home a giant Sweet Onion to make one of our favorite side dishes, Baked (or BBQ’d) Onions.

Tanaka Farms grows their Onions amongst the Strawberries.  They say it helps to keep certain pests away from the Strawberries and it sweetens the Onions.

Baked Onions aka Onion Candy is a much loved side we often enjoy with Filet Mignon and loaded Baked Potatoes.  We’ve previously posted the recipe here.

Without visiting the above recipe link, know here that it’s an Onion that’s tented in foil with Bacon Grease, Salt and Pepper — And then it’s baked in the oven or on a BBQ for about an hour.  This extra large Onion took longer (a little under 2 hours) and indeed it was incredibly sweet to eat.  It served two very well.

Baked Onions are so easy to make.  The rule is generally (1) Onion per guest — If getting them from Tanaka Farms, they can be shared.

If this doesn’t sound good to you, it’s understandable — We once appalled at the idea too, but they’re sooooo good.  You might be missing out.

Indeed, this Baked Onion tastes like Candy.  Growing up I would have gaged over the thought of it, but an Onion baked with Bacon Grease in the oven or on a BBQ is so sweet and delicious.  It just melts in your mouth.  And it’s super easy to make and impressive to serve as an appetizer or side dish.  It’s optimum for a fall or winter dinner party or all year long with meals.  My family has prepared countless bushels of Baked Onions over the years.  They’ve mostly cooked them on the BBQ, but when it’s cold it’s convenient to cook ’em inside.

They take about an hour to cook without much effort — As pictured above (l-r), trim the ends and skin of an Onion then make a few shallow cuts.  Place it on two layers of foil, then top the Onion with reserved Bacon Grease, Salt and Pepper.  Tent and seal the Onion in the foil and bake at 450° for 1 Hour.  It should then just fall apart in sweetness.  Many times we’ll unwrap and broil the Onion over top for an additional 5+ minutes before serving.  It’s so darn good!