I LOVE BACON! It’s true, bacon is my vice I admit – I don’t deny it, I don’t fight it, but rather embrace it for all its savory, smokey and salty deliciousness! Bacon is a staple in my house, you will rarely find the fridge or freezer without this heavenly pork delight, just waiting to be devoured for breakfast, lunch or dinner or anytime in-between!
You can only imagine the euphoria I experienced the first time I saw “Bacon Candy” posted on Pinterest a couple of years ago. Over the past year, Bacon Candy has been trending on just about every recipe site, as well as Pinterest and Instagram. I have scoured the internet researching the best way to make this sweet and savory and just plain ‘ole yummy snack, and after a lot of trial and error, I believe I have mastered the technique!
First and foremost, you have to start with REALLY good bacon-the extra thick cut bacon that’s really meaty! Next, soak a dozen bamboo skewers in water. While the skewers are soaking, line a baking rack with nonstick foil and place rack on a cookie sheet.
Place bacon on the sheet and brush with “candy” mixture of 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup, 1/4-1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper and 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder.
Turn bacon over and brush mixture on other side. Let bacon marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Weave the bacon onto each skewer and place on the foil. In a pre-heated 325 degree oven, bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minute, turn each skewer over and increase the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bacon starts to crisp up.
Caution, keep an eye out as the sugars have been caramelizing and once they start to brown, it does not take long for it to go from caramel brown to burnt black! The bacon candy may not look done at this point, but once it’s taken out of the oven and cooled, it will crisp up and the candied mixture will perfectly harden.
The brown sugar and maple syrup add just enough sweetness to the smokey meat. The addition of Cayenne gives it just a little kick of heat, while the onion powder adds one last dimension of savory flavor.
I like to make this treat as a fun appetizer for any holiday using my Bormioli Rocco Jars from Steelite to display the tasty treats. Bacon Candy is also an irresistable addition to any brunch menu and will be perfect for your upcoming Easter feast!
Enjoy, with Love!
Yummy
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