Bourbon Bacon Jam

Published February 25, 2016

I found this on the web and oh my, it has me intrigued. If you can find thick cut Applewood smoked I would suggest you use that because it has a nice smoke flavor that will not overpower the jam as the bacon mixture reduces. Good quality bourbon is also a suggestion I would make. Don’t go crazy and use best quality, but please do not use anything in a plastic bottle for this. The maple syrup, however, should not be the very best quality. Any B grade will be fine here because you want the deep maple flavor and the sweetness, but since it is not the star don’t spend the money. Serve this jam on toast, in a panini, on a buttermilk biscuit, with sliced apples, or with some sharp cheddar cheese. It will not disappoint.

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1″ pieces
  • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ thick slices
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch fresh grated nutmeg
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry chipotle powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup good quality bourbon
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon pieces until they begin to crisp at the edges but are still soft in the center, about 1 – 1 1/2 minutes per side. Set aside to drain. Pour all but one tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the pan.
  2. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the onion and brown sugar. Cook until the onions are well caramelized, about twenty minutes. Add the garlic and spices and cook an additional five minutes.
  3. Add the liquid ingredients and the bacon to the pan. Increase the heat to medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about two hours. Check the mixture every 30 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry add a few tablespoons of water. You want the final mixture to be moist and very sticky.
  4. Let the mixture cool slightly then put it into the bowl of a food processor, or blender, and pulse about 20 times, or until it reaches your preferred consistency. (I prefer mine slightly chunky so you really notice the bacon)

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