Let's face it, for many of us bacon is better than chocolate, filet, and sex & it can only be made better by candying it. Beautifully rendered crisp bacon nestled inside a delicious layer of some sort of sweetened glaze. Perfection of deliciousness.
My youngest son fell in love with this culinary masterpiece after I brought some home for him to try when I took his oldest brother down to college in S.C. Ever since then I try to make it about 6-8 times a year as a special treat for him & the family. There really is no set recipe you have to stick too as long as you have the basics the rest is open to interpretation & flavor profile preferences.
We prefer bacon butcher bought, thick cut, & Sriracha spiced or Pepper Crusted. This choice, along with spices we use give the bacon some back heat to counterbalance all the sweetness. Don't be afraid to play around with the recipe until you find your family's masterpiece as well.
INGREDIENTS
1 Pound Thick Cut Bacon, any flavor.
¾C of Brown Sugar
¼C of Maple Sugar, pure isn't necessary
3TBSP of a Vinegar, of your choice
¼tsp Black Pepper
¼tsp Cajun Seasonings or Season Salt
Whole Lotta Love
½tsp of Cherry based Pork Rub (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Mix everything, except bacon, in a small bowl.
Prepare a bacon cooking sheet or baking tray with cooking rack with non-stick spray.
Dip each piece of bacon, coating thoroughly, & place flat on the rack.
Bake for 12 minutes, then flip & brush on sugar mixture. Then bake 8 more minutes.
Remove bacon from oven after 8 more minutes & flip. Brush sugar mixture on again, bake for another 8 minutes.
Keep an eye on bacon so it doesn't burn.
Check bacon for doneness, it should be brown & crispy. If not, flip bacon, coat with sugar mixture & bake for 2-3 minutes keeping your eye on it.
If needed continue baking until brown & crisp.
Remove from oven, carefully move to silicone baking sheets to cool.
Enjoy!
TIPS
Trust your own flavor preferences
Thin cut bacon will cook faster
Experiment with flavored syrups other than maple. Prehaps Hazelnut or Ameretto.
Substitute the syrup with a jam or jelly (they can be thinned down by adding a bit more vinegar).
Remember butchers may carry flavor cured bacon which will only add to the experience.
Always cook from your heart to add the love! ❤
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
190 calories, protein 9g, carbohydrates 14g, fat 11g, cholesterol 26mg, sodium 575mg, (all nutritional values are appropriate)