Talk about a great idea: Goose the Market, a can't-miss culinary stop in Indianapolis, has a Bacon of the Month Club (PDF). Each month, members receive one pound of artisanal Indiana bacon, along with recipes, and "Belly Tales", which is a history of the animal in question. Memberships last for four months, and new members receive a Bacon Club t-shirt, and the market will make a contribution to the fab charity Heifer International.
Locals can join for $69, and pick up their bacon at the store, but if you're just visiting Indy, you've got a couple of options. First, you can swing by the market and see if you can sample the month's bacon on a sandwich. "We do often times feature the bacon on a sandwich but not always," says owner Chris Eley. Second, and less risky: you can join the club and they'll ship your bacon anywhere in the continental United States. (With delivery, the fee is $129.)
Upcoming featured bacons:
December 2009: Maple and Crushed Chili Bacon
January 2010: Brendle Honey and Clove Cured Bacon
February 2010: Soy Cured Beef Bacon
March 2010: Coriander and Shagbark Hickory Smoked Bacon
The club will continue into 2010 -- the rest of the bacon calendar will be available soon.