Choose Candied Bacon For Your Next Party

By Lisa Ellis


Foodies and others that can appreciate a good snack understand a good guilty pleasure. Whether it be sweet, sour, or somewhere in between, something that is easy to hold while eating is the key. Candied bacon is one food trend that combines all of those good tastes and has become a sticky situation people of all ages cannot get enough of.

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.

Pork tends to have a light taste that is enhanced by flavorings that are spicy or sweet. This is why many pork entrees have a sauce or marinade that is sugar or honey based. Adding savory to the mix enhances the flavor profile and makes it seem more like an entree and not dessert. However, some restaurants serve bacon candy as an appetizer or dessert.

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.

One thing that people tend to forget is that pork contains protein and lean cuts of bacon have minimal amounts of fat. Overall, this recipe is easy to make at home and anyone can put their own spin to suit their own dietary needs. Even the alternate recipes can be made using an oven or on the stovetop.

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 can be the life of the party when added to a variety of edibles for entertaining. Yogurt based dips or hummus may be eaten with vegetable or grain chips. Those who feel they are indulging may be in for a nice surprise.




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