Bacon Jam

You know that old slogan "Twizzlers Makes Mouths Happy"? 

Well, though I love a good Twizzler, I totally disagree. 

There is only one thing that can truly make MY mouth happy and that is bacon. 

What isn't good about Bacon? It's savory, smoky, salty, crispy, OH MY!

But what happens when you decide to take that bacon out of it's proverbial box and cross the preserve lines? 

You get something that is so insanely delicious, you may never eat bacon the same way again!

Let me show you what I'm Talking about!

Bacon Jam:

*Prep Time: 10 min. *Cook Time: 1 hr. 15 min.  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 1 pt.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of bacon
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. bacon fat
• 2 onions sliced
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Sherry
• 1 tbsp. white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. thyme
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1/2 c. water
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Tools:

• Chef's knife
• Pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber Spatula

The first thing you will need to do is slice your bacon.

If you put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes prior, it will help.

Then place the bacon in a cold pan.

That's right, COLD.  We are wanting to render the fat, not just brown the bacon. 

Turn the heat on to medium and allow the bacon to cook until all the fat is rendered.

Believe it or not, this will take about 30 minutes. 

You will think it is done, but it's not.

You will know it is time when one, the fat and the meat of the bacon are the same color, and two,

when you see this bacon foam.

Remove the bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel.

Pour the excess bacon fat into a bowl.

Do not discard because you will be using this later.

While the bacon is cooking, you can peel and slice your onions.

Lower the burner to medium/low, add the butter and...

Bacon fat.

Add the onions.

Give them 4 or 5 minutes to cook and become translucent and soft.

Once the onions are soft, add the brown sugar,

Vinegar,

Cooking Sherry,

Half of the thyme,

Salt and pepper,

And cayenne.

Chop the bacon up finely and add it to the pan as well.

Add the diced bacon to the pan and...

Stir everything together.

Add a 1/2 cup of water.

Let the jam simmer and reduce for another 30 minutes.

To finish, add the balsamic vinegar,

The rest of the thyme,

And the extra virgin olive oil.  Cook for another 15 minutes.

Taste for seasoning, and add what you deem necessary. 

And there it is, the PERFECT condiment!  Smoky, savory, sweet, tangy, Oh my goodness!  SO DIVINE!  I serve this on burgers, but you can use it in place of sauce on pizza, on a BLT, or on some plan crackers.  No matter how you choose to use it, you can't go wrong!  This take bacon to a whole other level!  I can't wait for you to try it!

As always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,

~The Kitchen Wife~

Bacon Jam:

*Prep Time: 10 min. *Cook Time: 1 hr. 15 min.  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 1 pt.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of bacon
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. bacon fat
• 2 onions sliced
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Sherry
• 1 tbsp. white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. thyme
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1/2 c. water
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Tools:

• Chef's knife
• Pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber Spatula

Directions:

1. Cut the bacon into slices.
2. Place in a cold pan, and turn the heat to medium.
3. Let the bacon cook, and the fat render for approx. 30 minutes.  You will know it is ready with the meat and fat are the same color and the grease begins to foam.
4. Remove the bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel.
5. Pour the excess bacon fat into a bowl and set aside for later.
6. Slice the onions.
7. To the pan add the butter and 2 tbsp. of bacon fat.
8. add the onions.
9. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft was translucent.
10. Then add the brown sugar, cooking sherry, white vinegar, half of the thyme, and cayenne.  
11. Chop the bacon finely and add to the pan.
12. Add the water, stir everything together, and cook for 30 minutes.
13. To finish add the balsamic vinegar, thyme, and extra virgin olive oil.
14. Stir and cook for 15 more minutes.
15. Taste for seasoning.
16. Serve and Enjoy!