I buy very lean applewood smoked bacon from Trader Joes and there is very little grease left. But what I do have - usually about a Tablspoon or two, I keep in a tiny container with a lid in my fridge. I use a teaspoon or so for green beans, hash browns, eggs and sauteeing cabbage (awesome!) but it stays fresh for a month or so. Be sure to strain the grease through a couple thicknesses of cheesecloth to get the food bits out of the grease or it will spoil sooner.
BTW, for sauteeing cabbage here's what I do:
Fry 1 or 2 slices of bacon til somewhat crisp. Set aside to cool.
Chop or slice cabbage and add to the bacon grease in the pan. Saute for about 2 minutes on med/low heat stirring all the while, then break up the bacon and add the pieces to the cabbage.
Add 2 or 3 Tablespoons water, turn to low, cover and cook til cabbage is crisp tender. Be sure to cook on low heat or it will brown. Stir often and add a little water if it dries out. Fantastic!! And you can't believe how great the house smells. Neither can your neighbors.
