Blueberry Maple Bacon

This is my mom’s absolute favorite treat. We would always go to her favorite local chophouse when I was younger and she would always get a side of this amazing nutty, crispy candied bacon for the table and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. With this in mind, I created a recipe of my own to try and pay homage to that same candied bacon.. but of course I had to add my own little twist. This can be used as a side dish, a snack, a salad topping, or anything in between. Here’s how it goes..

Blueberry Maple Bacon

1 lb. of Bacon

6 T. Maple Syrup

3 T. Blueberry Compote (Blueberry Jam works just fine)

1 Handful of Chopped Walnuts (Optional)

1 T. Fleur de Sel (Optional)

2 T. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (Essential)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with aluminum foil. Place the bacon on a wire rack and place it on the sheet tray. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup and the blueberry compote and mix. To make it easier to baste the bacon, heat the mixture in a microwave and heat for 45 seconds. Baste the bacon with the mixture and place the bacon in the oven. Roast the bacon for 30 minutes, making sure to baste it throughout the cooking process and flip it after 20 minutes. Continue to baste and increase the heat to 425 degrees F. At this point, place the chopped nuts on the bacon and place in the over for 5 minutes or until crispy and candied. Bring out the bacon and leave it out the cool. Baste with the syrup mixture. Top the bacon with the fleur de sel and cracked pepper and serve.

Serves 2-4.