Making Candied Bacon At Home

By Lisa Ellis


There is nothing wrong with having a special treat, even if there is nothing to celebrate. Snacks of today are not just sweet or savory but sometimes a wonderful combination of many flavors. To some people, candied bacon seems more like a fancy dessert that is a little salty and can be carried anywhere.

While sweetened meat may sound unusual to some, most people like to dip their bacon or sausage in syrup while eating french toast or pancakes. Maple flavored sausage is popular but it is not ideal for snacking since it requires cooking. These sweet strips of bacon are like beef jerky with extra flavoring.

Compared to most meat and poultry, pork lends itself best to a spiced sugary companion. This is why some have come to like teriyaki style pork or ham coated with honey and pineapple slices. The difference here is that these candied treats have no sauce so they are portable as well as tasty.

Anyone who wants to try this at home can try any recipe that calls for a few thick cut slices with a smoke flavor like hickory or applewood. The glaze can be made using a liquid like honey or maple syrup, with a half teaspoon of coarse salt and cinnamon for every dozen slices. Some like to use sugar instead of a liquid for more of a crunchy flavor.

For those making this for the first time, it may help to go easy on the dry ingredients. Just get a nice even coat and place in the oven using the broil setting for a few minutes. Let drain and cool so that the top will be sticky and flavors will come to life.

This makes a nice food gift to present to someone on the job or at a social gathering. Since this can cook quickly on an outdoor grill, it also makes a nice appetizer or dessert. Because most of the excess moisture and oil are removed, it can be stored in room temperatures for a few days using a tightly sealed container.

For those who are health conscious, this treat is full of more protein than most sugary or processed snacks. Lean pork is one of the best things anyone can eat in moderation. A bacon slice without excess fat is also easier to cook, as there is less splatter. This recipe also allows for substitutions.

For those who want to cut calories and fat, using turkey bacon or meatless versions may be used. The only thing to keep in mind is that thin cuts may need to be doubled in order to withstand the cooking time when glazed. Instead of brown or white sugar, coconut sugar or agave syrup may be used for a little sweetness. Some people who like spicy foods may want to experiment by adding diced jalapenos or habanero peppers for extra heat.

This treat can add something extra to a potluck or food spread, especially if the host wants to diversify the dishes. In some social settings, it is common to have a healthy option like Greek yogurt dips or vegetarian flatbreads. A nice companion to bacon are sweet potato fried with a honey dip.




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