Monday, May 16, 2011

Bacon Obsession

This looked like a lot of work but I’ve been hearing so much about bacon jam lately, I had to make it.

Three Acres in Little Italy uses Bacon Jam on their burgers. Everyone I talk to who has had one said that it is totally amazing.

Worth all the hype? I really loved it and it added an interesting texture to the Bruschetta below.

Bon Appetit!

Bacon Jam

1 pound bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tbsp brown sugar
Tabasco sauce to taste

In a large, heavy bottomed pan, fry the bacon in batches. Remove the bacon from the pan, and pour off all but 1 tbps of the bacon fat (bacon fat can be reserved for other purposes, like a pie crust)

Turn the pan heat to medium high. Add the onion to the pan and fry until translucent. Add the minced garlic, frying until fragrant.

Return the bacon to the pan, along with the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and add 1/4 cup of water every 25 minutes or so.

Once cooked down, puree the jam in a food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.

Bacon Jam Bruschetta

Bacon Jam
Baguette, sliced
Cream cheese or goat cheese
Salad greens
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Fresh salsa topping (fresh tomato, onion and cilantro chopped fine)

Spread the cream cheese on the baguette slices. Top with bacon jam.

Dress the greens with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste and fresh salsa.

Place a small amount on the bread.