Some nights, like most foods, are just better with bacon. Last night was one of those for us. Granting himself a rare moment of “bacon clearance”, the hubs whipped up a batch of Manhattans, and we happily spoiled our dinner in front of the fire.
Make these as spicy (or not) as you like! Chipotle powder adds more smokiness than it does spice, so we add a healthy pinch of cayenne. Just watch the bacon near the end so you don’t overcook it.
Smoky Maple-bourbon Bacon (Serves 2)
Ingredients
6 pieces bacon (we use thick-cut, applewood smoked)
4 Tbs. brown sugar
1 Tbs. Chipotle chile powder
Good pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
2 Tbs. bourbon
2 Tbs. maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Line baking sheet with tin foil and place metal cooling rack ontop.
- Mix together chipotle, sugar, and cayenne on plate.
- Coat bacon on both sides by pressing into sugar mixture.
- Twist bacon and line on cooling rack/tray.
- Bake for 20 min. Flip. Bake an additional 8-10 min.
- Pull from oven and baste with maple-bourbon glaze.
- Return to oven for an additional 3-5 min. Simply watch to ensure they don’t burn.
- Bacon will firm up a bit as it cools on the rack.
Serve standing up in a pint glass for a fun presentation!
